US to pause Hormuz operation in push for deal with Iran

The United States has paused its military operation, known as "Project Freedom," which aimed to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint near southern Iran. The operation began on Monday but was halted after just one day following a request linked to ongoing negotiations with Iran. President Donald Trump announced the pause on social media, citing "great progress" toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran to end the broader Middle East conflict. Despite the pause, the U.S. continues to enforce a blockade on Iranian ports to maintain pressure on Tehran. The operation was launched in response to heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has asserted control following attacks attributed to the U.S. and Israel. During the brief operation, the U.S. claimed to have sunk seven Iranian boats and reported several civilian vessels were attacked, allegedly by Iranian forces. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the U.S. has completed its offensive phase, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," emphasizing that the current military posture is defensive and only involves returning fire if attacked first. The conflict traces back to a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran on February 28, which targeted key Iranian military and economic infrastructure and killed senior leaders. Despite the damage inflicted, Iran has not collapsed and has retaliated with missile and drone strikes across the region. President Trump declared a ceasefire with Iran on April 8, which remains in effect, although diplomatic talks have seen limited progress. Rubio stated that the U.S. has achieved its primary objectives in the conflict, significantly damaging Iran’s economy, but stressed that the administration still favors a negotiated settlement. The pause in "Project Freedom" reflects a strategic shift toward diplomacy, aiming to finalize an agreement that could bring a lasting resolution to the hostilities in the Middle East.