‘Great progress’: Trump halts 'Project Freedom' as final Iran deal approaches
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Tuesday, May 5, announced a temporary suspension of “Project Freedom,” pausing the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz following “tremendous Military Success” in the campaign against Iran.
The decision follows requests from Pakistan and other nations, signaling that “Great Progress” has been made toward a final agreement with Iranian representatives.
Trump halts Strait of Hormuz ship movements for Iran deal
In a statement on Truth Social, President Trump explained that the pause is intended to see if a deal can be reached.
He noted that “while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time.”
This decision aims to determine “whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed” after recent military developments.
Trump cites Pakistan request in Iran naval pause
Trump indicated that the pause was influenced by external diplomatic request and significant internal progress.
Trump highlighted the fact that “Great Progress has been made towards a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran,” implying that the years of rivalry may finally end.
The role of some countries is also recognized, with the president mentioning “the request of Pakistan and other countries” as an essential consideration for both parties’ decision to stop their navies.
As the international community looks on at the Strait, the administration believes that the upcoming period will bring a “Complete and Final Agreement,” marking the end of the protracted struggle through military pressure and diplomatic negotiations.
It may be noted that under the now-paused initiative, at least 11 ships crossed through the critical route in the 24 hours ending at 6 pm on May 5, according to hormuzstraitmonitor.com.
Trump launched Project Freedom to rescue stranded seafarers
The project, launched on May 4, aimed to rescue an estimated 20,000 seafarers who became “victims of circumstance” while stranded in the strait.
President Trump framed the mission as a “Humanitarian gesture” intended to rescue neutral parties who were not involved in the Middle East hostilities but were suffering because of the war.
He warned that these crews were running dangerously low on food and sanitary supplies, making it necessary for the US to guide their ships safely out of restricted waterways so they could “freely and ably get on with their business.”
Trump emphasized that this assistance was specifically for countries and companies that had “done absolutely nothing wrong.”
By intervening, the administration sought to provide stability for international ships that had been immobilized by recent attacks and aggressive incidents near the Iranian coast, ensuring that innocent bystanders were no longer caught in the crossfire of the dispute.
The mission was presented as a necessary step for the "good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States."
