Trump pauses Project Freedom for ‘short period’ to see if Iran deal can be finalized

Published May 5, 2026 7:08pm ET | Updated May 5, 2026 7:46pm ET



President Donald Trump said the United States will temporarily halt Project Freedom, its effort to move ships through the Strait of Hormuz, while negotiations with Iran advance.

Trump said the blockade will stay in place and that the pause, which comes just one day after the operation began, will test whether a final deal with Iran can be reached amid a precarious ceasefire between the two countries. The president said Pakistan and others requested the pause.

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