US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a temporary pause in “Project Freedom” the US-led mission to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz following a request from Pakistan and several other countries while citing significant progress toward a broader agreement with Iran.
The announcement came hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the initiative, which began on Monday to assist stranded oil tankers in the Gulf.
Since the conflict began the Strait of Hormuz has remained effectively closed disrupting nearly 20 percent of global oil supplies and intensifying pressure on international energy markets.
In a statement posted on social media Trump said both sides had mutually agreed that while the blockade would remain fully in force, Project Freedom would be paused for a limited period to assess whether a final agreement could be concluded and formally signed.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 5, 2026
There was no immediate response from Tehran.
Following the development Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the decision and expressed appreciation to President Trump for what he described as “courageous leadership” and a timely step toward easing regional tensions.
In a post on X, the prime minister said Trump’s positive response to the request made by Pakistan and other brotherly countries particularly Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman would contribute significantly to regional peace, stability, and reconciliation during a sensitive period.
I am 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…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 6, 2026
He reiterated that Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting restraint and the 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.
Global markets reacted swiftly, with US crude oil futures falling by $2.30 and slipping below the $100-per-barrel mark after recent sharp gains driven by the conflict.
The White House did not immediately provide further details on the progress achieved or the duration of the suspension.
Earlier, US officials including Marco Rubio stressed that Iran cannot be allowed to control maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
Iran has restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz by threatening mines, drones, missiles, and fast-attack craft, while the US has responded with port blockades and escorted transit operations for commercial shipping.
The US military also confirmed it had destroyed several Iranian small boats, along with cruise missiles and drones, during recent operations.
