US President Donald Trump announced on May 5, 2026, that he was halting the US military operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after just one day, in a bid to reach a deal with Iran to end the Middle East war.
Mr. Trump's so-called 'Project Freedom' to help vessels navigate the strategic waterway was paused as part of a diplomatic push. The operation had been launched on May 4, 2026, but was suspended the following day.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and the US military presence there had been aimed at ensuring safe passage amid regional tensions. No further details on the proposed deal with Iran were immediately available.
