President Donald Trump has paused Project Freedom, the U.S. military operation to guide commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing "great progress" toward a "Complete and Final Agreement" to end the war with Iran. The halt came just one day after the mission began and hours after Pentagon leaders lauded it as a success.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Trump's decision, saying the pause will advance regional peace and stability. Pakistan has served as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran. Iran's government has not yet publicly responded.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Operation Epic Fury-the preceding military phase-is concluded, having achieved its objectives. The U.S. and Gulf allies have also proposed a U.N. Security Council resolution threatening Iran with sanctions unless it halts attacks on ships and lifts its chokehold on the strait.