Trump pauses US ‘Project Freedom’ operation in Strait of Hormuz, citing progress towards Iran agreement.

United States President Donald Trump has announced a temporary pause to the US military’s “Project Freedom” operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying “great progress” had been made towards a potential agreement with Iran.

Trump said the operation would be suspended for “a short period” to see whether a “complete and final agreement” with Tehran could be reached, despite ongoing tensions in the Gulf.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, accused Washington of pursuing a policy of “maximum pressure” and expecting Iran to submit to unilateral demands.

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US pauses Hormuz escorts: Trump said he was halting the US military operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after just one day, in a bid to reach a deal with Iran to end the Middle East war.…