President Donald Trump announced Tuesday he is halting the US military operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after just one day, aiming to finalize a deal with Iran to end the Middle East war.
Operation "Project Freedom" began Monday to help vessels leave the strategic chokepoint, where Iran has seized control amid the ongoing conflict. On Truth Social, Trump stated that after a request from mediator Pakistan and other nations, "great progress has been made toward a complete and final agreement" with Tehran.
"We have mutually agreed that, while the blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom ... will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalised and signed," Trump wrote.
Washington maintains a blockade of Iran's ports to pressure Tehran into ending the war launched by the US and Israel on February 28. The Hormuz operation saw heightened tensions, with the US sinking seven Iranian boats and several civilian vessels attacked, allegedly by Iran.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier confirmed the end of offensive operations against Iran, named "Operation Epic Fury," echoing ceasefire statements made to Congress. "The operation is over - Epic Fury - as the president notified Congress. We're done with that stage of it," Rubio told reporters. He clarified that the Hormuz clashes were defensive, not offensive: "There's no shooting unless we're shot at first."
The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, killing top leaders and destroying major military and economic sites without collapsing the Islamic Republic, which retaliated with missiles and drones across the region. Trump declared a ceasefire on April 8, later extended, though negotiations remain stalled.
Rubio claimed the US has "achieved the objectives" of the war, noting Iran faces "real, catastrophic destruction to their economy," while Trump still prefers a negotiated settlement.