Trump Pauses US Operation in Strait of Hormuz to Advance Iran Deal Talks

President Trump stated in a social media post on Tuesday evening that the U.S. would pause Project Freedom, an operation to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, to allow time for finalizing a deal with Iran. He attributed the decision to requests from Pakistan and other countries, along with U.S. military successes and advancements in negotiations.

The blockade on vessels leaving Iranian ports will continue during the pause. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced at a White House briefing that the military objectives of Operation Epic Fury have been achieved, marking the end of the offensive stage of the conflict with Iran.

He described ongoing U.S. actions in the strait as defensive, emphasizing that U.S. forces would only engage if fired upon first. Rubio urged Iran to negotiate, framing the U.S. operation as an effort to reopen the waterway for global benefit.

Tensions persisted after both sides exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. President Trump declined to specify what would violate the uneasy truce, telling reporters that Iran knows what actions to avoid. Hours before Trump's announcement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Project Freedom had enabled U.S. control of the strait, countering Iran's claims of strengthened dominance there.

The United Arab Emirates reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones for a second consecutive day, following a similar incident the previous day involving 15 missiles and four drones. Separately, the UK maritime authority noted a cargo vessel struck by an unknown projectile in the waterway.

Iran reported shooting down spy drones over Qeshm Island in the strait, with local officials confirming no damage. This marks Araghchi's first visit to China since the war began, amid Beijing's significant economic ties to Tehran, including purchasing over 80% of Iran's oil exports.

Rubio expressed hope that China would encourage Iran to release its hold on the strait. Iran announced the establishment of a new body to manage vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Iran's Press TV. This development followed the launch of Project Freedom, which Iran responded to with limited strikes on shipping and neighboring Gulf states.

The conflict has driven U.S. national average gasoline prices above $4.50 per gallon on Tuesday, the highest since July 2022, according to GasBuddy data. Jet fuel prices have doubled since the war's start, and crude oil futures hovered above $100 per barrel.

Thousands of cargo ships remain stranded in the strait, exacerbating global supply disruptions. The U.S. operation, launched just 48 hours earlier, aimed to address the closure resulting from the ongoing war. >"The operation is over: Epic Fury. We are done with that stage of it.

actions, aligning with the Trump administration's position. He portrayed the strait operation as a rescue for stranded mariners, though sources noted the closure stems from the U.S.-initiated conflict. Iran has not immediately commented on the latest UAE interceptions.

The pause in Project Freedom follows Iran's declaration of a new control area in the strait after U.S. destroyers entered the waterway. Multiple sources confirmed ongoing air defense activities, including Iran's interceptions over Tehran since the ceasefire began.