Trump’s so-called “Freedom Project”, aimed at helping vessels exit the Strait of Hormuz, began on Monday (04)
United States President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (5) that he is suspending the American military operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after just one day, in an attempt to reach an agreement with Iran to end the war in the Middle East. “We mutually agree that, although the blockade remains in full force, Project Freedom (the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be suspended for a short period to see if the agreement can be finalized and signed.”, wrote the president of the United States, stating that he responded to a request from Pakistan.
O called “Project Freedom” by Trump, intended to help vessels exit the Strait of Hormuz — an access point to the Gulf where Iran took control in response to the attack by the United States and Israel — started on Monday (04).
But the American leader stated on his Truth Social network that he is now putting the operation on pause following a request from mediator Pakistan and other countries, as “great progress has been made towards a complete and final agreement” with Tehran.
Blockade in Hormuz
Washington maintains a blockade of Iranian ports in an attempt to pressure Iran into reaching an agreement that would end the war started by the United States and Israel on February 28. Tensions had risen over the operation in Hormuz, and the United States claimed to have sunk seven Iranian vessels, while several civilian vessels were attacked, allegedly by Iran.
Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters at the White House that “the operation is closed — Epic Fury — as the president informed Congress. We have concluded this phase.” The Trump administration had 60 days after the start of hostilities to inform Congress about the war, which began without prior authorization.
Rubio stated that the United States “achieved the objectives” of this offensive phase. “These guys face real, catastrophic destruction of their economy,” he said, adding that Trump still prefers a negotiated deal with Iran.
Israel and the United States attacked Iran, killed senior leaders and destroyed important military and economic installations, but without causing the collapse of the Islamic republic, which responded with attacks across the region. On April 8, Trump declared a ceasefire with Iran, which has since been extended, even as negotiations with Tehran have stalled.
*With information from AFP
