US pauses Hormuz operation as fragile Iran talks continue

US President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended the US military’s “Project Freedom” to open the Strait of Hormuz, citing significant progress toward a final deal with Iranian representatives.

The decision to halt “Project Freedom”, which is a naval effort aimed at securing commercial shipping through the strategic waterway, comes as both sides explore the possibility of a broader agreement.

Trump stated the pause will last a short time while they attempt to finalize the agreement with Tehran. However, while Tehran has expressed willingness to negotiate, it has publicly characterised the US approach as tactical. 

US officials have described the pause as partial, stressing that military pressure has not been fully lifted, since the US has maintained military presence in the strait, which some analysts interpret as an ongoing pressure on Iran. 

The ceasefire between the United States and Iran is still officially in place, according to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, but tensions remain high.

Despite the agreement, Iran has continued limited attacks on commercial ships and US forces. There have also been accounts of continued low-level incidents in and around the strait, including reported attacks on commercial vessels.

Shipping traffic in this area is disrupted, with some ships delayed and crews facing uncertainty.

Consequently, the current pause in major escalations is viewed by observers as temporary, with the potential for either diplomatic progress or a return to higher tensions.