Trump suspends ‘Project Freedom’ amid Iran–U.S. peace talks progress
The decision comes as Washington and Tehran move closer to a potential peace agreement, with Trump saying the pause is intended to create a favorable environment for finalizing and signing a deal.
KATHMANDU: US President Donald Trump has announced a temporary suspension of the military operation “Project Freedom,” which was aimed at securing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The decision comes as Washington and Tehran move closer to a potential peace agreement, with Trump saying the pause is intended to create a favorable environment for finalizing and signing a deal.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated that while sanctions against Iran will remain fully in place, operational activities under Project Freedom have been “briefly halted” to support ongoing negotiations.
He also pointed to “significant progress” in talks involving Iranian representatives, as well as diplomatic input from Pakistan and other nations, as key reasons behind the move. Trump suggested that groundwork is being laid for a comprehensive and final agreement with Iran.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Congress that a previous military phase, “Epic Fury,” launched in coordination with Israel on February 28, had concluded. He said attention was shifting toward reopening global energy routes under Project Freedom.
However, Trump’s latest announcement effectively pauses that initiative as well, signaling a clear shift toward prioritizing diplomacy over military pressure in ongoing Iran–US relations.
