Trump pauses 'Project Freedom' in Hormuz amid Iran deal talks
Synopsis
Trump has hit pause on 'Project Freedom' — the US-led ship movement operation through the Strait of Hormuz — citing diplomatic progress with Iran and appeals from Pakistan. But the blockade stays. It is a calculated hold, not a withdrawal, and the next few days will reveal whether a 'complete and final agreement' with Tehran is within reach or just another negotiating feint.
Key Takeaways
Project Freedom , the US-led ship movement operation through the Strait of Hormuz , has been temporarily paused as of 6 May .
The pause follows requests from Pakistan and other countries, and reported progress in US–Iran negotiations.
The blockade itself remains in full force despite the operational pause.
Trump claimed Iran's navy and air force had been "totally wiped out" in recent US military operations.
The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one-fifth of global petroleum consumption, with major importers including India , China , Japan , and South Korea closely watching developments.
Japan sourced 90% of its oil and South Korea 43% through the strait, according to Trump.
US President Donald Trump announced on 6 May that 'Project Freedom' — the American-led operation to move ships through the Strait of Hormuz — has been temporarily paused, citing progress in negotiations with Iran and requests from Pakistan and other countries. The blockade itself, Trump clarified, remains in full force.
What Trump Said
In a statement posted on social media, Trump wrote:
Point of View
But the blockade remaining intact tells a different story — this is pressure diplomacy, not de-escalation. Trump's claim that Iran's navy and air force are 'totally wiped out' is a significant assertion that has not been independently verified, and its accuracy will matter enormously to how the region — and global energy markets — respond. For India, which depends heavily on Gulf oil routes, the outcome of these talks is not peripheral; it is a direct economic variable. The involvement of Pakistan as a mediating voice is also notable and underreported.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Freedom and why has it been paused?
Project Freedom is the US-led operation to ensure the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. It has been temporarily paused following requests from Pakistan and other countries, and what Trump described as significant progress toward a 'complete and final agreement' with Iran.
Does the pause mean the US blockade on Iran has ended?
No. Trump explicitly stated that the blockade remains in full force and effect. Only the ship movement operations under Project Freedom have been paused temporarily while negotiations continue.
What did Trump say about Iran's military capabilities?
Trump claimed that Iran's navy had been 'totally wiped out' and its air force similarly devastated during recent US military operations. These claims have not been independently verified.
Why does the Strait of Hormuz matter to global energy markets?
The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one-fifth of global petroleum consumption. Major importers including India, China, Japan, and South Korea depend on safe passage through the waterway. Japan reportedly sources 90% of its oil and South Korea 43% through the strait, according to Trump.
What role did Pakistan play in the Project Freedom pause?
Trump cited a request from Pakistan, along with other countries, as one of the reasons for pausing Project Freedom. The nature and extent of Pakistan's diplomatic role in the US–Iran talks has not been detailed publicly.
