U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 5th (local time) that significant progress had been made in negotiations with Iran and that he would temporarily suspend the Strait of Hormuz "Project Freedom." It comes a day after the operation began.
Trump said on his social media Truth Social that day that he had considered "requests from several countries, including Pakistan, the massive military gains achieved in this operation, and progress toward a final agreement with the Iranian delegation," explaining the reason for the pause.
At the same time, he said, "The maritime blockade measures will remain fully in place," and added, "We will pause Project Freedom briefly and watch to see whether the agreement can lead to a final settlement and signing."
The United States launched Project Freedom the previous day to help merchant ships stranded in Hormuz escape. With Washington declaring a suspension just a day after the operation began, some observers say behind-the-scenes peace and denuclearization talks with Iran may be accelerating.
However, as it reaffirmed its stance of maintaining the maritime blockade, pressure aimed at Iran's crude oil exports is expected to continue unchanged.