Donald Trump announced on Tuesday a temporary suspension of “Operation Freedom”, a military mission aimed at escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress towards a possible agreement with Iran.
The decision comes despite the absence of direct negotiations, with Trump saying the pause would allow time to determine whether a deal with Iranian representatives could be finalised and signed.
He described the move as following “tremendous military success” and “great progress” towards a comprehensive agreement.
Blockade remains in place
Despite the suspension, the blockade of Iranian ports, imposed since 13 April, remains in force. Trump also noted that the pause followed requests from Pakistan and other countries.
The operation had only begun on Monday, aiming to enable hundreds of vessels stranded in the Gulf to safely cross the strategic waterway.
US signals readiness despite pause
Earlier, Marco Rubio stated that a phase of US military action against Iran had ended, referring to the operation as “Epic Rage”.
“The operation is over. We have moved past this stage,” he told reporters at the White House.
However, Dan Caine warned that US forces remain ready to resume major operations if necessary.
Trump also issued a warning to Tehran following recent exchanges at sea and alleged attacks on the United Arab Emirates.
“They know what they must do – and what they must not do,” he said.
Since the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on 28 February, Iranian forces have controlled the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
Roughly one-fifth of the world’s hydrocarbons pass through the strait, making it vital to global energy markets.
Diplomatic moves in Beijing
Meanwhile, Abbas Araghchi met with Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss the Middle East conflict.
The meeting comes ahead of a planned visit by Trump to China on 14–15 May, where he is expected to hold talks with Xi Jinping.
China, a key ally of Tehran, is the largest importer of Iranian oil and has been heavily affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio said he expected Beijing to pressure Iran to lift what he described as a de facto blockade of the strait.
Conflicting claims over attacks
Iran denied launching recent missile or drone attacks against the United Arab Emirates, despite claims from US and Emirati officials.
A senior Iranian military official stated that no such operations had taken place in recent days.
Earlier, the UAE reported activating air defence systems to intercept projectiles allegedly launched from Iran.
UN action and rising warnings
The US is preparing to submit a draft resolution to the UN Security Council aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Rubio, the proposal, developed with Gulf allies, calls on Iran to immediately halt attacks, mining operations, and transit fees imposed on vessels.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US and its allies of endangering maritime security.
Meanwhile, Iranian Revolutionary Guards warned of a “firm response” to any vessel that fails to comply with Tehran’s rules in the strait.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington cannot allow Iran to block a key international shipping route.
Iran signals openness to dialogue
Despite the tensions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country is ready for dialogue on all issues.
However, he stressed that Iran “has not and will never surrender”.
Efforts to resume direct US-Iran talks remain stalled following an inconclusive meeting in Islamabad on 11 April.
Also read: Two months into the Iran war, almost everybody is a loser
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