Donald Trump has announced a temporary pause of “Project Freedom,” the U.S. military operation launched to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a potential agreement with Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the operation—initiated just a day earlier—would be halted briefly to assess whether a “complete and final agreement” could be finalized and signed. The move has fueled optimism in global markets, with stock futures rising on expectations of easing geopolitical tensions and the reopening of the critical maritime corridor.
Project Freedom was introduced to address the mounting crisis in the Persian Gulf, where nearly 23,000 sailors from 87 countries remain stranded due to Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most vital oil transit routes.
According to the United States Central Command, the operation involved a significant military deployment, including guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, unmanned systems, and around 15,000 personnel to safeguard commercial shipping.
However, tensions remain high. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly launched cruise missiles, drones, and small-boat attacks targeting vessels under U.S. protection. The United Arab Emirates also reported missile and drone strikes originating from Iran, resulting in injuries.
In a further escalation, a South Korean-operated vessel caught fire in the Strait, with Trump later attributing the incident to Iranian aggression.
While the pause in Project Freedom signals a potential diplomatic opening, uncertainty persists over whether a lasting agreement can be reached to stabilise the region and restore safe maritime trade flows.
