US President Donald Trump on Wednesday briefly paused 'Project Freedom' in the Strait of Hormuz, citing significant progress toward a final agreement with Iran.
However, he emphasized that the US naval blockade will remain fully in force.
Trump had launched the 'humanitarian' initiative on behalf of the US, Middle East countries and Iran, to help transit ships locked in the key waterways.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.
On Tuesday, the US and Iran launched new attacks in the Gulf amid a fragile ceasefire.
Several merchant ships in the Gulf reported explosions or fires. The US claimed it had destroyed six small Iranian military boats. Whereas, an oil port in the United Arab Emirates was set ablaze by Iranians, in which three Indians were injured.
Earlier, Trump said that the US has told 'neutral and innocent bystanders' countries from all over the world that they will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business.
Iran has offered to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz without addressing its nuclear programme. Iran also wants the United States to end its blockade of the country as part of its proposal.
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, had dubbed the 'Project Freedom is Project Deadlock' and said that Monday's events showed there was no military solution to the crisis.
He said peace talks were progressing with Pakistan's mediation while warning the US and the UAE against being drawn into a "quagmire by ill-wishers."
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