WEB DESK: Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the United States would temporarily halt its effort to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, pointing to what he described as significant progress in negotiations with Iran.
Earlier in the day, Marco Rubio had detailed the escort initiative, which began Monday to guide stranded oil tankers out of the Gulf. The strait has largely been closed since the conflict erupted, disrupting roughly 20% of global oil shipments and driving up energy prices worldwide.
In a social media post, Trump said both sides had agreed to pause the escort mission referred to as “Project Freedom” for a short period while talks continue, even as the broader blockade remains in place. Iranian officials did not immediately respond, as it was early morning in Tehran.
Following Trump’s announcement, U.S. oil prices dropped sharply, with crude futures falling by $2.30 and slipping below the $100-per-barrel mark, a key level during the recent surge in prices.
The White House did not provide further details about the negotiations or how long the pause might last. Meanwhile, Rubio reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to dictate access through the strait.
Iran has effectively restricted passage by threatening mines, drones, missiles, and fast-attack boats. In response, the U.S. has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and organized escorted routes for commercial shipping. The U.S. military reported destroying several Iranian vessels, as well as missiles and drones, earlier in the week.
Rubio also stated that the main U.S. military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury, launched on February 28 in coordination with Israel has now concluded. He emphasized that Washington is not seeking further escalation.
A central aim of the campaign has been to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, an accusation Tehran denies. However, concerns remain, as Iran has yet to relinquish more than 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium.
At the same time, a British maritime agency reported that a cargo ship in the strait had been hit by a projectile, though details remain unclear.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a navigable route through the strait has been secured, with many commercial vessels preparing to transit. He added that the four-week ceasefire with Iran is still holding, but remains under close observation.
General Dan Caine noted that recent Iranian actions against U.S. forces have stayed below the level that would trigger a renewed large-scale military response.
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