ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared “tremendous military success” against Iran and announced a temporary pause in the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz under *Project Freedom*, while keeping the American-led blockade “in full force and effect.”
In what appears to be a characteristically emphatic statement posted on social media, Trump said the pause was made “based on the request of Pakistan and other countries” and in light of “great progress” toward a final agreement with Iranian representatives. He added that the suspension would last a “short period of time” to test whether negotiations could be finalized and signed.
“We have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed…” – President… pic.twitter.com/R9SlC4w68g
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 5, 2026
The announcement comes amid weeks of heightened tensions in the Gulf, where US naval forces have enforced a blockade on Iranian-flagged vessels since April. The blockade — described by Washington as a campaign to choke Tehran’s oil revenues — has disrupted global shipping lanes and driven up energy prices, while Iran has denounced the measures as “economic warfare.”
Background on the blockade
The US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, began after American forces seized an Iranian tanker accused of violating sanctions.
Since then, US warships and allied patrols have restricted Iranian cargo from transiting the narrow waterway, through which nearly a fifth of global oil supply passes. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Tehran and concern from regional states dependent on stable energy flows.
“Project Freedom”, it may be added here, is the codename used by Washington for controlled shipping operations through Hormuz under US supervision. While the blockade remains intact, Project Freedom allowed limited passage of non-Iranian vessels to reassure global markets. The newly announced pause effectively halts even those supervised movements, signaling Washington’s intent to leverage shipping access as a bargaining chip in talks with Tehran.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a mediator, with Army Chief Gen Asim Munir earlier raising concerns to President Trump that the blockade was obstructing peace talks. Islamabad has hosted preliminary contacts between Iranian envoys and international partners, though Tehran recently withdrew from one round of discussions citing the tanker seizure.
Middle East observers believe President Trump’s statement suggests Washington is willing to test diplomacy while maintaining military pressure. Analysts note that the pause in Project Freedom could either pave the way for a breakthrough agreement or deepen uncertainty if talks falter.
