U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the temporary suspension of the American naval escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz, known as “Project Freedom,” which had been launched the previous day.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, the president said the pause aims to give diplomacy a chance to reach a potential agreement with Iran that could end the ongoing conflict. He indicated that the suspension would be short-term, allowing time to determine whether a comprehensive deal can be finalized and signed.

The decision follows consultations reportedly requested by Pakistan and other countries, according to the White House. Trump also pointed to what he described as “significant progress” in negotiations with Iranian representatives, while highlighting recent U.S. military successes in the region.

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that the ceasefire with Iran remains in effect, emphasizing Washington’s objective of stabilizing the situation to allow commercial shipping to resume through the strategic waterway.

The Pentagon has also urged restraint, calling on Tehran to avoid any violation of the ceasefire agreement.

On the previous day, Trump announced that U.S. forces had destroyed seven Iranian fast boats after reported attacks on foreign vessels, including a South Korean cargo ship, in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes, making it a persistent flashpoint in U.S.–Iran tensions.