WASHINGTON D.C., May 6, 2026
President Donald Trump has announced a sudden halt to the U.S. operation "Project Freedom," which was launched less than 48 hours ago to assist vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media update, the President stated that the pause is intended to see if a peace deal with Iran can be finalized.
Despite the suspension of the rescue mission, the U.S. military blockade of Iranian ports will continue. According to the Pentagon, approximately 22,500 mariners across 1,550 vessels remain stranded in the region. Tracking data from Wednesday indicates almost zero movement near the strategic waterway.
Iranian state media has hailed the decision as a strategic victory, claiming President Trump has "retreated" and is attempting to mask the failure of the maritime operation. Concurrently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that the "offensive stage" of the war with Iran is now "over." Tehran has yet to officially respond to Secretary Rubio’s remarks or the President’s announcement.