President Trump has decided to pause the movement of ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that has been at the center of tensions since the onset of the US-Iran conflict over two months ago.

Following joint strikes by the US and Israel on key Iranian sites in late February, Iran retaliated by targeting locations across the Middle East and closing the strait, through which approximately 20% of global oil trade flows.

Despite a temporary ceasefire, a lasting peace agreement has not been reached between the US and Iran. The US has enforced a blockade on Iranian ports within the strait to exert economic pressure and encourage negotiation efforts.

In a recent post on Truth Social, President Trump mentioned that, at the request of Pakistan and other nations, there has been progress in military operations against Iran and towards a potential agreement with Iranian representatives. He stated that while the blockade remains in place, the movement of ships through the strait, known as Project Freedom, will be temporarily halted to facilitate finalizing the agreement.

Trump also announced that the US military will assist non-combatant ships in navigating out of the crucial trade route. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern over the impact of the strait’s closure, noting the loss of at least 10 sailors and the dire situation faced by thousands of civilian sailors stranded in the Persian Gulf.

Rubio emphasized the importance of Iran engaging in negotiations and warned of the consequences of failing to do so, including isolation, economic collapse, and defeat. There are reports suggesting that Trump may consider resuming military actions in Iran if diplomatic efforts remain at a standstill, according to sources within the American and Israeli governments.