US President Donald Trump has halted the US-led movement of ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical trade route that has been a flashpoint since the US-Iran war began more than two months ago.
Trump's Announcement on Truth Social
In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, May 5, Trump wrote: "Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran."
He continued: "We have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed. President DONALD J. TRUMP."
Background on the Conflict
The Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint since the US-Iran war started more than two months ago after the US struck several key Iranian sites and Iran retaliated. The US military had been guiding ships of countries not involved in the war out of the critical trade route, as Trump stated on Monday.
Human Cost and Stranded Sailors
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that at least 10 sailors have died in the Strait of Hormuz, while approximately 23,000 sailors have been 'stranded' and 'left for dead' in the strait. The pause in Project Freedom aims to allow time for a potential final agreement to be negotiated and signed.
The blockade remains in full force, and the situation continues to develop as diplomatic efforts proceed.
