Trump pauses Project Freedom as he boasts of ‘success’ | US | News
“The demand of Pakistan and other countries is the tremendous Military Success we have achieved during the Operation Against the Country of Iran, plus the fact that Great Progress has been made Towards a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran,” Trump shared on Truth Social on Tuesday, May 5.
He continued: “We have mutually agreed that the blockade will remain in full effect and that Project Freedom (Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see if the Agreement can be completed and signed. President DONALD J. TRUMP”
The USA and Israel carried out joint attacks on some important regions of Iran since February 28. Iran retaliated by striking sites in the Middle East and closing the strait through which 20% of global oil trade passes.
The United States imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in the strait in an attempt to stifle the Iranian economy, lift the shutdown, and put pressure on long-term peace negotiations.
On Monday, Trump announced that the US military would escort ships belonging to countries not involved in the conflict out of the vital trade route.
At least 10 sailors died as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday.
He added that the US came to the aid of some “23,000 civilian sailors” who were “stranded” in the Persian Gulf and “left to die” in the strait. He described them as “sitting ducks” who were “isolated”, “starving” and “vulnerable”.
Rubio said it was important for Iran to “come to the negotiating table” and “agree to the terms.” “The alternative is increasing isolation, economic collapse and ultimately total defeat,” he said.
“They really shouldn’t be testing the will of the United States.”
There are reports circulating that Trump may restart the war in Iran with new attacks within a few days.
Axios reporter Barak Ravid reported that “some senior American and Israeli officials” believe the US leader could order a resumption of war “as late as this week if the diplomatic stalemate continues.”
