KABUL: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a temporary halt to the military’s “Freedom Project” in the Strait of Hormuz, just two days after its launch.
In a statement posted early Wednesday, Trump said the operation aimed at ensuring the free passage of commercial vessels through the strategic waterway has been paused on a short-term, trial basis.
He cited requests from Pakistan and several other countries, as well as what he described as a “major military success” by Washington against Tehran and significant progress toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran.
Despite the pause, Trump emphasized that the U.S. naval blockade on Iran remains fully in place.
“The Freedom Project will be paused briefly to assess whether a final agreement can be reached and signed,” he wrote.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) had announced the operation earlier this week, deploying around 15,000 troops, naval vessels equipped with guided missiles, and approximately 100 warplanes to support maritime security in the region.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions, including recent Iranian media claims that two U.S. vessels became stranded in the southern, rocky waters of the strait during the operation.
Trump halts U.S. “Freedom Project” in Strait of Hormuz
