President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States was pausing its military escort operation through the Strait of Hormuz after just one day, as Washington pushes for a negotiated agreement with Iran to end the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The operation, known as “Project Freedom”, was launched Monday to assist vessels navigating the strategic waterway after Iran tightened control of the Strait of Hormuz following attacks linked to the regional conflict.
However, Trump announced on Truth Social that the mission would be temporarily suspended following requests from mediator Pakistan and several other countries, citing progress in discussions with Tehran.
“Great progress has been made toward a complete and final agreement,” Trump said, adding that while the blockade on Iran would remain in place, the operation would pause briefly to determine whether a formal agreement could be finalised.
The United States continues to maintain pressure on Iran through a blockade of Iranian ports aimed at forcing Tehran toward a diplomatic settlement.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz had escalated in recent days, with Washington claiming US forces sank seven Iranian boats, while several civilian vessels reportedly came under attack.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States had completed its offensive campaign against Iran, known as “Operation Epic Fury”.
“The operation is over,” Rubio told reporters at the White House, adding that future US actions in the region would remain defensive in nature.
“This is not an offensive operation. There’s no shooting unless we’re shot at first,” he said.
The conflict intensified after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, targeting senior leadership figures and major military and economic infrastructure. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region.
Trump previously announced a ceasefire with Iran on April 8, which has since been extended despite stalled negotiations.
Rubio said Washington believes it has achieved its military objectives but emphasised that Trump still favours a negotiated resolution with Tehran.