Trump says US to pause Hormuz escort operation, Iran deal close

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the U.S. will pause an operation aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and that a deal with Iran was close.

But the president also said a naval blockade against Iran will remain in effect.

Trump said that “great progress” was made towards a “complete and final agreement” with Iran, and that the Hormuz operation, called Project Freedom, “will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.”

There was no official response from Iran on Wednesday.

Trump’s comments come after the launch of Project Freedom earlier this week sparked a military response from Iran, with Tehran seen attacking several ships in the channel, while also launching missiles at the United Arab Emirates.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said earlier on Tuesday that Washington was not seeking to re-escalate tensions with Tehran, and that Project Freedom was a temporary measure.

Hegseth also claimed that a ceasefire remained in place despite renewed military action in Hormuz.

The U.S. said it had destroyed several Iranian small boats, although Tehran contested the number and nature of the vessels.

Trump had launched Project Freedom as an attempt at restoring commercial shipping through Hormuz. Iran effectively blocked the channel during the onset of the war.