By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump has announced a temporary suspension of a US military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a potential agreement with Iran.
In a statement on Tuesday, Trump said “Project Freedom,” aimed at escorting stranded ships through the vital shipping lane, would be paused briefly to allow negotiations to conclude. The move followed requests from Pakistan and other nations involved in mediation efforts.
Tensions remain high in the Gulf. The US military reported destroying Iranian boats, missiles and drones, while the United Arab Emirates said it intercepted further aerial attacks. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned vessels to follow its designated routes or face retaliation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said offensive operations had ended but warned Iran “must pay a price” for attempting to control the strait.
The chokepoint, which carries about one-fifth of global energy supplies, has been largely closed since conflict erupted earlier this year, disrupting trade and driving up oil prices worldwide.
