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. The operation, dubbed 'Project Freedom,' was launched on May 4, 2026, but was paused as part of diplomatic efforts.
Trump stated that the pause was intended to create space for negotiations with Iran, aiming to de-escalate tensions in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and the US had initiated the escort mission to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels amid ongoing conflict.
No further details were provided about the timeline for resuming the operation or the specific terms of the proposed deal. The announcement comes as part of broader efforts to reduce military involvement in the region and seek a diplomatic resolution.
