The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will continue: Trump has suspended the “Freedom” project
6 May 04:37
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary suspension of the “Freedom” project, which was intended to ensure the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, the blockade of the strait remains in effect. Officials in Washington attribute the pause to progress in negotiations with Iran and requests from Pakistan and other countries to give diplomacy a chance.
Trump announced the decision on his social media platform Truth Social, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
According to him, the U.S. is temporarily suspending the active phase of the project to assess whether it is possible to finalize and sign a final agreement with Tehran.
What Trump said
The U.S. president explained that the decision to pause was made following appeals from Pakistan and other countries, as well as against the backdrop of what he described as significant military achievements by the U.S. and progress in negotiations with Iran.
“In light of requests from Pakistan and other countries, the impressive military success we have achieved during the campaign against Iran, and given that significant progress has been made toward concluding a comprehensive and final agreement with Iranian representatives, we have jointly agreed that, although the blockade will remain in effect, Operation Inherent Resolve will be suspended for a short period of time to see if an agreement can be finalized and signed,” Trump wrote.
Thus, Washington is not completely lifting pressure on Iran, but is taking a brief pause in the military operation that involved escorting ships through one of the world’s most vital maritime arteries.
What is Operation Freedom?
Operation Freedom is a U.S. initiative to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions surrounding Iran. According to Reuters, the operation was launched after Iran effectively blocked the critically important waterway and posed a threat to maritime traffic.
The Strait of Hormuz is of strategic importance to the global economy, as a significant portion of global oil shipments pass through it. Reuters notes that this route accounts for about 20% of global oil transportation.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
The blockade remains in place
Despite the suspension of Operation Freedom, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains in effect. This means that risks to shipping, the oil market, and logistics in the region have not disappeared.
According to the New York Post, the pause in operations is being presented as a temporary measure amid negotiations, but the blockade itself will remain in place.
In other words, shipping companies, energy traders, and oil-importing countries have not yet received a signal that stable traffic through the strait has fully resumed.
Why the U.S. put the operation on hold
The main reasons for Trump’s decision:
- requests from Pakistan and other countries;
- Washington’s claim of military success in the standoff with Iran;
- progress in negotiations with Tehran;
- a desire to see if a final agreement can be reached;
- an attempt to temporarily reduce the risk of further escalation.
Reuters reports that, in parallel with U.S. efforts, Pakistan continues to play a diplomatic role, and Iranian representatives are also holding talks in Beijing.
What happened before the pause
Project “Freedom” was launched just a few days ago. According to US media reports, the US has deployed significant military resources for an operation to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News reported on incidents involving US destroyers in the region and Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
There were also reports of Iranian small boats, drones, and missiles being hit as part of U.S. operations in the strait. Reuters, citing U.S. command, reported the destruction of six Iranian small boats, while Trump’s public statements cited the number seven.
What this means for the oil market
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most sensitive chokepoints in the global energy sector. Any disruptions in this area could affect:
- oil prices;
- fuel costs;
- maritime insurance;
- tanker routes;
- global inflation;
- stability of energy supplies.
A pause in U.S. operations may temporarily reduce the risk of direct military conflict, but the continuation of the blockade means that the market will remain volatile.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
