Trump pauses ‘Project Freedom’ in Hormuz, citing progress in Iran talks
US move follows Iranian warnings and stalled objectives, as tensions persist over blockade and negotiations
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — U.S. President Donald Trump said he has temporarily paused the U.S. military’s “Project Freedom” operation in the Strait of Hormuz, citing “great progress” toward a “complete and final agreement” with Iran.
Trump said the operation would be suspended for “a short period” to allow time for negotiations with Tehran, adding that the pause came in response to requests from several countries, including Pakistan. He did not provide details on the timeline, framework or conditions for resuming the initiative.
The so-called “Freedom Project” was introduced as a plan to facilitate the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically critical waterways. Framed by Washington as a “humanitarian” effort to guide stranded commercial ships, the operation was announced just a day before Trump declared its suspension in a post on his Truth Social platform.
The announcement follows firm warnings from Iran and the project’s failure to achieve its stated objectives amid strong opposition from Tehran.
Iran had tightened control over the waterway after shutting it “enemies and their allies” following the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran on Feb. 28. Controls were further strengthened after Trump announced a blockade of Iranian vessels and ports, a move Tehran said violated the terms of a ceasefire previously declared by the U.S. president.
IRGC warns trespassing vessels to be “forcibly stopped”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any maritime movement contrary to its declared principles would face serious risks. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi said vessels deemed to be trespassing would be “forcibly stopped,” dismissing contrary claims about maritime conditions in the Persian Gulf as baseless.
The IRGC Navy also pledged to enforce a directive issued by Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, who warned that foreign actors with “ominous” intentions had no place in the region.
Despite Trump’s claim of progress, Iran has refused to rejoin negotiations with the United States as long as the blockade remains in effect.
Trump maintained that his decision to pause the operation was partly driven by advances in diplomacy, though he offered no specifics.
Observers cautioned that the announcement could be an attempt to mask the possibility of renewed escalation, even as Washington signals openness to a negotiated outcome.
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