Trump Pauses Project Freedom Hours After Launch, Citing Iran Deal Progress

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday a pause of "Project Freedom," the US military operation launched just days earlier on Sunday to guide neutral ships out of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump cited a request from Pakistan, US military success, and great progress toward an agreement with Iran for the reversal, though he insisted the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in full force. The about-face drew widespread criticism, with Iranian state media branding it a "retreat" and observers questioning the logic of the policy reversal. Meanwhile, the broader conflict continues: oil prices hover around $115 a barrel, over 1,000 tankers remain stranded, and an estimated 20,000 sailors remain trapped in the Gulf since Iran effectively closed the waterway following US-Israeli strikes that began on February 28. The CMA CGM San Antonio was attacked on Tuesday while transiting the strait, underscoring ongoing dangers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Operation Epic Fury concluded as the 60-day War Powers Act limit has passed, though Trump warned Iran that bombing will resume at a much higher level if no deal is agreed.