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Updated 06 May 2026 - US President Donald Trump suspended the military escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz less than 48 hours after its launch, citing diplomatic progress with Iran.
Operation paused after brief deployment
President Trump announced late Tuesday that the US-led naval mission to secure merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz would be temporarily halted. The decision followed two days of intense military activity and rising tensions in the critical waterway.
The operation, dubbed "Project Freedom," was launched on Monday to counter Iranian threats that had effectively blocked the strait, disrupting global oil and gas shipments. Approximately 20% of the world's energy supplies pass through the strait.
Initial military response and mixed outcomes
US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed early Monday that guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and 15,000 personnel were deployed to escort commercial ships. By the end of the first day, two US-flagged vessels had successfully transited the strait.
However, clashes erupted as the US military reported striking seven Iranian fast boats, a claim Tehran denied. Iranian media stated that two small cargo ships were hit, resulting in five civilian deaths. Separately, explosions damaged a UAE-affiliated tanker and a South Korean vessel, while a fire broke out at the Fujairah oil port, which the UAE attributed to an Iranian attack.
Diplomatic overtures and shifting strategy
In a social media post on Sunday, Trump framed the mission as a "humanitarian gesture," stating that the US would use "best efforts" to safely guide stranded ships. He acknowledged ongoing discussions with Iran, suggesting potential for a positive resolution.
By Tuesday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as "focused in scope and temporary in duration," emphasizing America's role in restoring global commerce. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later called the mission a "favor to the world," highlighting US military capabilities in the region.
Abrupt suspension amid ongoing risks
Trump announced the pause at 23:52 BST (22:52 GMT) on Tuesday, citing "great progress" toward a deal with Iran. The decision came just hours after Hegseth and Rubio reaffirmed the operation's importance and hours after a French vessel was struck in the strait, injuring crew members.
Shipping industry sources expressed skepticism about the mission's effectiveness. Lloyd's List reported that "Project Freedom" had failed to provide "sufficient clarity or credible protection," with transit volumes continuing to decline due to security concerns.
"For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these countries that we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways."
President Donald Trump, Truth Social post
Human and economic toll
The Baltic and International Maritime Council estimated that around 1,000 vessels and 20,000 seafarers remained stranded in the region as of Monday. Oil prices surged in response to the blockade, raising fears of broader economic repercussions.
Centcom advised ships to navigate a "security area" off Oman's coast, but industry analysts warned that the risks persisted despite the US military presence.
What comes next
The White House has not specified a timeline for resuming the operation or finalizing a deal with Iran. Observers note that the abrupt pause leaves the status of stranded vessels and global energy supplies uncertain.
