Trending 
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he is suspending “Project Freedom,” a U.S. military operation designed to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, after only one day.
The pause comes at the request of mediators, including Pakistan, as the administration attempts to finalise a deal to end the broader Middle East conflict.
Trump indicated on social media that significant progress has been made toward a final agreement with Tehran, though he clarified that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect to maintain pressure.
The suspension follows a period of intense maritime tension in which the U.S. reported sinking seven Iranian vessels.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that “Operation Epic Fury,” the initial offensive phase of the war launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, has officially concluded.
Rubio characterised the now-paused Hormuz mission as purely defensive, noting that U.S. forces would only engage if fired upon first.
While the February attacks severely damaged Iran’s military and economy, the Islamic Republic has continued to retaliate with regional missile and drone strikes.
Despite stalled negotiations, Trump has extended a ceasefire originally declared on April 8.
Rubio asserted that the U.S. has met its primary war objectives by inflicting catastrophic economic damage, though he emphasised that the president’s ultimate goal remains a signed, negotiated settlement.
