‘Project Freedom’: Trump pauses plan to guide ships through Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. announced Monday that American forces have cleared a route that will allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and get around Iran’s effective closure of the vital shipping lane.
The U.S.-led Joint Maritime Information Center told crews that an “enhanced security area” was established for ships to navigate the strait through Omani waters. The new passageway is clear of Iranian mines, Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, told reporters.
Cooper said Iran launched missiles, drones, and small boats at civilian ships that were under U.S. military protection and “each and every” threat has been defeated. He added that six of those small boats had been sunk.
On Tuesday evening, however, President Donald Trump announced the plan would be put on hold at the request of Pakistan and other nations. The president also cited “great progress” reaching a final agreement with Iran.
The United States is pausing its plan to help guide ships that are stranded in the Persian Gulf to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz and reach their destinations.
President Donald Trump announced that the Project Freedom initiative launched Monday will be put on hold, adding that the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iran will remain in effect.
In a social media post, Trump explained that Pakistan, which is moderating talks between the U.S. and Iran, and other nations have asked for the delay.
The president also noted that “great progress” has been made toward a final agreement with Iran and that the move will give time to see if a deal can be reached.
National security analyst Hal Kempfer
Subscribe to LiveNOW from FOX! https://www.youtube.com/livenowfox?sub_confirmation=1
Where to watch LiveNOW from FOX: https://www.livenowfox.com
Follow us @LiveNOWFOX on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livenowfox
Raw and unfiltered. Watch a non-stop stream of breaking news, live events and stories across the nation. Limited commentary. No opinion. Experience LiveNOW from FOX. Live news streaming channel when and where you need it.