US President Donald Trump said Tuesday evening he was pausing the American effort to guide stranded vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz to allow time for a deal to end the Iran war, while insisting the US blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place. The announcement came during a televised address from the White House, where Trump claimed 'great progress' in ongoing negotiations with Tehran.
According to verified reports, the pause applies only to the naval escort mission, not to the broader blockade. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has been a flashpoint in the conflict. Trump stated that the decision was made to 'give diplomacy a chance' and that talks were 'moving in the right direction.'
Iranian officials have not yet commented on the pause. The war, which began in 2025, has disrupted global energy markets and led to significant military casualties. The US Navy had been escorting commercial vessels through the strait since the conflict escalated.
Analysts note that the pause could signal a potential de-escalation, but caution that the blockade remains a major sticking point. The situation remains fluid, with further negotiations expected in the coming days.
