US President Donald Trump has paused a military operation to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, citing “great progress” towards a potential agreement with Iran, as tensions in the region show tentative signs of easing.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, halts the US-led “Project Freedom” mission just a day after it began. According to Trump, the pause follows requests from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other regional actors seeking diplomatic space to finalise a broader settlement with Tehran. While the blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, the temporary suspension signals a possible shift from confrontation to negotiation.
Pakistan welcomed the move, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing gratitude for what he described as “courageous leadership” by Trump. He emphasised Islamabad’s continued commitment to mediation and dialogue, voicing hope that the current momentum would lead to lasting regional stability.
The development comes after weeks of heightened conflict that effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass. The disruption triggered a sharp energy crisis, although oil prices fell below $100 per barrel following Trump’s announcement, reflecting market optimism over a possible de-escalation.
Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Washington had concluded its primary military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury, stating that US objectives had been achieved. He characterised the naval escort mission as defensive, aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation rather than escalating hostilities.
Despite these developments, uncertainty remains. Iran has yet to formally respond to the pause, and reports of continued incidents in the waterway — including a vessel struck by a projectile — highlight the fragility of the situation. Tehran has maintained its position that US and Israeli actions violated its sovereignty, while denying any pursuit of nuclear weapons.