Trump Pauses Strait of Hormuz Ship Effort Amid Iran Agreement Talks

Donald Trump announced late Tuesday a pause in «Project Freedom», a US-led effort to help stranded ships exit the Strait of Hormuz. This pause is to facilitate the finalization and signing of an agreement with Iran to end the war. Trump stated this action was taken at the request of Pakistan and other nations, though the US blockade of ships to and from Iranian ports remains in effect.

This development follows a second consecutive day of Iranian missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), raising fears of a full-scale war. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously warned Iran against further attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that renewed attacks on commercial shipping would trigger an overwhelming response. The US military reported destroying six Iranian small boats, cruise missiles, and drones after the navy was deployed to escort tankers.

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received calls from regional leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, condemning the Iranian attacks. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely shut by Tehran since US and Israeli attacks on Iran began on February 28, causing global commodity price increases. Trump reiterated that the US-Israeli attacks aimed to eliminate imminent threats from Iran, citing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and support for regional militants. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that US actions jeopardize shipping security and violate the ceasefire.

Despite escalating conflict, both sides reportedly continue to exchange proposals for resolution. Iran insists on separating negotiations over Gulf navigation from core issues like uranium enrichment, its ballistic missile program, and support for proxies. The IAEA has been unable to verify the whereabouts of approximately 440kg of Iranian uranium enriched to 60 percent since inspections were suspended.