U.S. President Donald Trump announced late Tuesday that he is temporarily halting a newly launched military effort aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that remains blocked by Iran. The decision pauses operations just as more than 1,500 commercial vessels continue to wait for safe passage.
According to Trump, the suspension was made at the request of Pakistan and other nations, allowing a short window to determine whether a broader peace agreement can be finalized. In the meantime, while U.S. naval monitoring of vessels linked to Iranian ports will continue, active military efforts to escort ships through the strait—by air and sea—have been put on hold. This comes after both sides exchanged fire in the region within the past 24 hours.
Officials from United States Central Command declined to elaborate, directing inquiries back to the White House.
Earlier in the day, the administration had promoted the success of the operation—dubbed “Project Freedom”—during press briefings at both the Pentagon and the White House. Despite these claims, tensions remained high, with Iran launching missiles and drones at U.S. vessels, and American forces responding by destroying several Iranian fast boats.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the mission to secure safe passage for commercial shipping was never intended to be permanent. He suggested that responsibility would soon shift to other nations. Standing alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, Hegseth described the U.S. presence as a protective shield over the strait, intended to stabilize the situation temporarily.
Caine noted that more than 22,000 seafarers aboard over 1,550 vessels remain stranded, while U.S. forces have created a secured maritime corridor on the southern side of the strait. Since the ceasefire, Iran has reportedly attacked commercial ships multiple times, seized two vessels, and targeted U.S. forces on several occasions—though not at a level that would trigger full-scale conflict.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the U.S. has moved beyond its earlier military campaign, referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” and is now focused on maintaining maritime access through “Project Freedom.” He accused Iran of effectively holding global trade hostage and endangering sailors stranded at sea, warning of broader economic consequences.
Despite the ongoing tensions, U.S. officials maintain that the ceasefire remains intact. However, Iranian leaders have accused Washington of violating the agreement and cautioned against deeper military involvement. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi argued that recent developments highlight the lack of a military solution, urging a return to diplomacy. Similarly, Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf suggested that a new strategic balance in the strait is emerging.
Recent incidents underscore the volatility of the situation. U.S. naval forces reported attacks involving drones, missiles, and small armed boats during escort operations. Regional instability has also spread beyond the strait, with reported strikes affecting infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates and maritime incidents under investigation near Oman.
Despite the escalation, Trump downplayed the severity of the conflict, describing it as a limited engagement and expressing confidence in U.S. military superiority. He also framed the operation as partly humanitarian, aimed at assisting stranded crews and ensuring the flow of global trade.
The pause in military operations introduces uncertainty over whether diplomatic efforts can regain momentum. The strait—through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply passes—remains a focal point in ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. While both sides have engaged in talks since agreeing to a ceasefire in early April, major disagreements persist, threatening both the fragile truce and the chances of a lasting resolution.
