Trump Abruptly Pauses Project Freedom in Strait of Hormuz 2 Days After Announcing MissionGlobal1News | May 6, 2026President Donald Trump has abruptly paused “Project Freedom,” the U.S. military-backed operation to guide commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, just two days after announcing the mission.In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump said the pause was agreed to allow time for finalizing a potential “complete and final agreement” with Iran. He credited “great progress” in talks and noted the request came from Pakistan and other countries acting as intermediaries. The Iranian blockade of the strait will remain in full force during the pause.“Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed,” Trump wrote.Trump first announced Project Freedom on Sunday as a humanitarian effort to help neutral countries whose ships had been stranded by Iran’s control of the vital waterway. The operation officially began Monday under U.S. Central Command, with at least two U.S.-flagged vessels reported to have transited successfully.The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global chokepoint, carrying roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. Iran has maintained its blockade since late February amid the broader U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, stranding an estimated 1,550 commercial vessels and more than 22,000 mariners. Iran has denounced the U.S. mission as a violation of understandings and rejected any unauthorized transits.The sudden pause has been described by multiple outlets as a rapid shift from the initial military navigation effort toward renewed diplomatic engagement. Oil prices eased following the announcement as markets reacted to the prospect of reduced tensions.No timeline was given for how long the pause will last or when — or if — the operation might resume. The development comes as the U.S. claims significant military successes in its campaign against Iran while pursuing what Trump called a path to a final agreement.https://youtu.be/NcG85pTFEG0?si=wu0bIn04EIe-R2kl