Trump Pauses Hormuz Escorts, Citing Iran Deal Progress

The United States has temporarily suspended an operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump cited “great progress” towards a comprehensive agreement with Iran.

Just hours before Trump’s announcement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had outlined the operation, which was intended to help stranded tankers leave the Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz has been virtually blocked since the start of the conflict, affecting about 20% of the world’s oil supply and helping to trigger a global energy crisis.

Trump wrote on social media that the blockade would remain in force, but that Project Freedom would be paused for a short time to see whether an agreement with Tehran could be finalized and signed.

There was no immediate reaction from Tehran.

Shortly after Trump’s post, US crude oil futures fell by $2.30 and dropped below $100 per barrel, a closely watched threshold since the conflict sent energy prices soaring two months ago.

Rubio said the United States had achieved its objectives in the military campaign launched alongside Israel in late February, adding that Operation Epic Fury had been concluded and Washington did not want a further escalation.

(reuters, bak)