President Donald Trump has announced a pause in “Project Freedom,” the U.S. military’s operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The decision comes as Trump cites “Great Progress” in negotiations with Iran, suggesting a potential diplomatic breakthrough.
Earlier, the operation was framed as a life-or-death mission to rescue thousands of stranded sailors. The suspension has led to a rise in stock futures, indicating market optimism over potential de-escalation and the reopening of the vital strait.
In a surprising shift, President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday the temporary suspension of "Project Freedom," a U.S. military initiative aimed at guiding commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The operation, which began just a day prior, has been put on hold to allow for potential progress in diplomatic talks with Iran.
Trump stated in a Truth Social post that the decision stems from "the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement" with Iran. He elaborated that Project Freedom "will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed."
The announcement spurred a positive reaction in stock futures, igniting hopes for a peace agreement that could end the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran and reopen the vital shipping lane. This move marks a significant pivot from earlier in the day, when the Trump administration had characterized Project Freedom as a critical rescue mission for thousands of civilian sailors.
The administration had previously reported that approximately 23,000 sailors from 87 countries were stranded in the Persian Gulf due to Iran's de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had emphasized the urgency, describing the sailors as "left for dead" by the Iranian regime and highlighting the risks to their lives and cargo.
Rubio had stated, "Nations from around the world, the overwhelming majority of whom are not even engaged in any military hostilities, are now at risk, not just of losing their cargo, but the lives of their own citizens because of this blockade." He further noted that at least 10 sailors had already died as a result of Iran's blockade.
President Trump initially announced Project Freedom on Sunday evening, assuring nations with stranded vessels that the U.S. would ensure their safe passage. U.S. Central Command detailed a significant military deployment to support the operation, including guided-missile destroyers, numerous aircraft, unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members.
However, defense and geopolitical experts had expressed skepticism regarding the operation's effectiveness. Meanwhile, Iran had responded with increased hostility, further complicating an already fragile ceasefire. The United Arab Emirates reported attacks from Iran involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, resulting in three injuries.
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper indicated that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had targeted ships under U.S. protection with missiles, drones, and small boats. Trump also alleged that Iran had attacked a South Korean-operated vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, which caught fire on Monday.
Trump's earlier post introducing Project Freedom acknowledged the potential impact on diplomatic efforts, stating, "I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran... The Ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong — They are victims of circumstance."
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz near Bandar Abbas, Iran, May 4, 2026. Amirhosein Khorgooi | ISNA | WANA | Via Reuters
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