Trump Orders Halt to Project Freedom in Strait of Hormuz

President Trump announced on May 5, 2026 that the United States would pause Project Freedom, the operation to guide vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, for a short period.

The pause came just 48 hours after the operation began. U.S. Central Command had described Project Freedom as involving guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, unmanned platforms and 15,000 service members. Admiral Brad Cooper stated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched multiple cruise missiles, drones and small boats at protected ships.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. operation in the Strait of Hormuz is “purely defensive” and that the United States would respond if fired upon. Rubio also stated that U.S. military offensive operations in Iran had been completed after achieving all objectives.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on May 6, 2026, Araghchi’s first visit to China since the war began on February 28.

” Prior to the pause announcement, Iran declared a new control area in the strait and resumed limited strikes on shipping. U.S. forces reported shooting down seven Iranian boats after an attack on a South Korean vessel. Iranian state media described the pause as a U.S. retreat.

” No publicly released evidence has documented the contested claims of a missile strike on a U.S. Navy frigate, which U.S. Central Command denied.

The conflict that began on February 28 has closed the strait and stranded more than 23,000 sailors aboard ships from nearly 90 countries, according to White House estimates. Shipping firms have questioned the safety of transit despite U.S. efforts. Oil futures fell after Trump’s announcement.

The Chinese-Iranian meeting took place days ahead of Trump’s planned visit to the region.