President Donald Trump has paused the US-led military operation 'Project Freedom' in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling progress toward a comprehensive peace deal with Iran. The move soothed oil markets, but Trump quickly tempered expectations, warning that if a deal isn't reached, bombing would resume at a higher intensity.
Iran confirmed it is reviewing a new US proposal, with media reports suggesting a one-page, 14-point memorandum is being finalized to end the Gulf war. However, Iranian officials have dismissed the framework as a US 'wish list,' and foreign policy experts caution that past negotiations have collapsed at the last minute.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared the end of 'Operation Epic Fury,' but Trump's latest remarks inject renewed uncertainty. Shipping experts note that Project Freedom had limited initial impact, with only a handful of vessels transiting the strait. Analysts suggest Trump's impulsive decision-making could derail any fragile progress.