US Takes Major to Extract Ships Stranded in Hormuz… Places Temporary Hold on ‘Project Freedom’

Washington. A new twist has emerged following the conflict between the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended ‘Project Freedom’—an initiative launched to extract ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, he stated that negotiations with Iran are progressing and are nearing a definitive agreement. However, the blockade will remain in effect. Nevertheless, oil prices witnessed a decline following this announcement by the President.

Amidst all this, the most significant development is the US announcement regarding the termination of ‘Operation Epic Fury.’ US Secretary of State Mark Rubio made this announcement, clarifying that the United States no longer seeks a new military confrontation and instead wishes to pursue the path of peace.

Writing on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump stated that—at the behest of Pakistan and other nations, and following America’s “tremendous military success”—both parties have jointly decided to temporarily halt this operation.

President Trump remarked that negotiations with Iran are moving toward a “comprehensive and final agreement,” and that significant progress has been made. This suspension was implemented, in essence, to determine whether such an agreement can ultimately be realized.

However, the Blockade Will Continue

Here lies a crucial point: President Trump explicitly stated that, even though ‘Project Freedom’ has been paused, the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will continue unabated. In other words, while the mission to extract the ships has been suspended, the pressure on Iran has not diminished.

What Stern Warning Did Donald Trump Issue to Iran?

A journalist asked President Trump what actions on Iran’s part would constitute a violation of the ceasefire—that is, the agreement to halt hostilities. President Trump replied, “You will find out.” He added that Iran knows exactly what it must not do. Following this, Trump made a significant statement. He stated that Iran had launched attacks using small boats and light weaponry. He then added that Iran now has no boats left whatsoever. In other words, President Trump was directly implying that the United States has inflicted such severe damage upon the Iranian Navy that they have nothing left with which to fight.

What did Donald Trump say regarding the ordinary people of Iran?
President Trump remarked that the people of Iran wish to stage protests, but they lack guns. He further observed that if 200,000 people were demonstrating, and five or six individuals with twisted mindsets were to arrive with guns and begin shooting them between the eyes, very few people would remain standing.

The UN’s Ultimatum to Iran
Amidst escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a significant resolution has been drafted at the United Nations, issuing a stern warning to Iran. According to this resolution, if Iran fails to cease attacks on vessels, stops collecting illegal tolls, and refuses to share information regarding mines planted at sea, it could face sanctions or other stringent punitive measures.