US President Donald Trump announced late Tuesday that he will pause Project Freedom for a short time. This mission was designed to escort commercial ships through the blocked Strait of Hormuz. The pause came just 24 hours after the operation began.

Trump shared the update on Truth Social. He said the decision followed a request from Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator. He also pointed to “Great Progress” in talks with Iran.

“Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries… and the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that Project Freedom will be paused for a short period of time,” Trump wrote.

Tensions rise, then pause

Fighting escalated on Monday. US naval forces engaged Iranian boats. They also intercepted drones and missiles. The US first described Project Freedom as a “humanitarian exercise.” However, it risked turning into a larger military operation.

Trump said the US will continue its blockade on Iranian ports. It remains in “full force and effect.”

Diplomatic talks helped calm the situation. Pakistan stepped in after Iranian strikes hit oil facilities in the United Arab Emirates. These efforts helped hold the fragile April 8 ceasefire.

Ships still stranded

The situation in the Strait remains tense. More than 800 ships are stuck. Around 20,000 crew members are waiting. Only a few vessels crossed on Monday. Most shipping remains halted.

In Washington, the pause may reduce political pressure. Democrats raised concerns about the operation. They questioned its legality under the War Powers Resolution.

US defends its move

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the mission. They called it a “protective dome” over the Gulf. They described it as a “red, white, and blue dome” to protect shipping.

Rubio said the US can “project stability” in the region. Iran warned that any US military move will count as an act of war. The White House has not given a timeline for the pause. The next steps remain unclear.