The US operation to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz – known as Project Freedom – “will be temporarily suspended”, US President Donald Trump said on social media on Wednesday night.
- The United States has temporarily suspended Operation Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Washington claims that its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is still valid.
- The US government refers to military actions against Iran as defensive measures.
- The United States is asking Iran for nuclear concessions and the restoration of free passage.
- Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have sharply increased fuel prices and damaged global supplies.
This decision has been made “to see if” a deal with Iran can be “finalized” and signed, and follows requests from Pakistan and other countries, Trump added. At the same time, he added that the move is also related to the “significant military achievements” of the US in the campaign against Iran and progress in the negotiations on the final agreement with Iranian officials. He also stated that the US blockade of the strait continues.
In the meantime, several US officials have also said that the ceasefire in the region continues and that the first phase of the US military operation against Iran has ended. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a press conference in Washington on Tuesday that MrIn order to achieve peace, Iran must meet US demands regarding its nuclear program and at the same time restore free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.
Rubio added that the United States considers its actions defensive and aimed at helping civilian sailors stranded in the area as a result of the conflict. At the same time, he stated that he would welcome if During the planned visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to Beijing, China called on Tehran to loosen its control over the strait.
Iran criticizes US efforts and claims that the US blockade of the strait is a violation of the ceasefire. Tehran also denies targeting civilian vessels in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important sea routes for the transportation of oil and gas. Tensions in the area have caused fuel prices to soar and disrupt global supply chains. Despite U.S. operations, most shipping in the area remains restricted, and several major shipping companies continue to consider it too risky to navigate the strait.
