President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that “Project Freedom,” the U.S. initiative aimed at ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, will be temporarily paused. The president announced his decision on Truth Social, citing significant progress made toward a potential agreement with Iran.
“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.
Meanwhile, one of the world’s largest shipping groups said Tuesday that the temporary pause is a “surprise” and “challenge.”
The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), which describes itself as the “world’s largest international shipping association, with over 2,000 members in 130 countries,” noted in a statement obtained by Fox News that “Our members report that crews are coping mentally and practically with the situation.”
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“The suspension of ‘Project Freedom’ shortly after its launch is a surprise,” BIMCO said. “While a few ships made it out safely while ‘Project Freedom’ was in place, it was clear that transits without coordination with Iran entailed significant risk.
“Changes announced at short notice or changes that are surprising, such as the sudden suspension of ‘Project Freedom,’ are a challenge for shipowners attempting to assess the risks and planning for leaving the Persian Gulf,” the organization added.
BIMCO noted that “Shipowners are still able to buy provisions and fuel locally, although at elevated prices.”
Early Wednesday, Trump added: “Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran.”
“If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before,” he added in a Truth Social post.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that he is “grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership and timely announcement regarding the pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.”
“President Trump’s gracious response to the request made by Pakistan and other brotherly countries, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and my dear brother Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia H.R.H Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period,” Sharif, who has been a principal mediator in discussions between the U.S. and Iran, wrote on X.
“Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” he added.
Trump told Congress on Friday that hostilities between the United States and Iran have “terminated,” stating that a ceasefire implemented last month effectively ended the conflict as a key legal deadline arrived.
The claim came as Trump reached the 60-day mark under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires presidents to withdraw U.S. forces from unauthorized military engagements unless Congress approves continued action.
Despite the declaration, U.S. forces remain active in the region, and the administration has not ruled out additional strikes, Conservative Brief reported.
