Shafaqna Pakistan: US President Donald Trump said he would temporarily pause an operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing “great progress” toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran as well as a “request of Pakistan and other countries.”
Hours earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had outlined the initiative launched on Monday to help guide stranded tankers out of the Gulf. The strait has been largely closed since the conflict began, disrupting around 20% of global oil supplies and triggering a wider energy crisis.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that following “tremendous military success” during the campaign, significant progress had been made toward a “complete and final agreement” with Iranian representatives.
“We have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom … will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalised and signed.”
There was no immediate reaction from Tehran, where it was early on Wednesday morning.
Shortly after Trump’s post, US crude oil futures fell $2.30 and broke below $100 per barrel, a much-watched threshold since the conflict sent energy prices soaring two months ago.
The White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment on what progress had been made or how long the pause would last.
Rubio and other senior administration officials said earlier on Tuesday that Iran could not be allowed to control traffic through the strait.
Iran has effectively sealed off the strait by vowing to deploy mines, drones, missiles and fast-attack craft. The United States has countered by blockading Iranian ports and mounting escorted transits for commercial vessels.
The US military said on Monday it had destroyed several Iranian small boats, as well as cruise missiles and drones.
Source: Express Tribune
