Trump pauses Project Freedom as Iran peace talks continue

Donald Trump has paused “Project Freedom,” the U.S. military operation designed to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

(NBC)- Donald Trump has paused “Project Freedom,” the U.S. military operation designed to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a broader peace agreement with Iran.

The president said the operation is being placed on hold temporarily to “see whether or not the agreement can be finalized.”

Despite the pause, Trump confirmed the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place as the administration continues applying economic pressure on Tehran.

“They should do the smart thing,” Trump said. “Because we don’t want to go in and kill people, really don’t.”

Project Freedom was launched earlier this week after repeated attacks involving Iranian drones, missiles and small boats targeting commercial vessels and U.S. military escorts in the region.

According to United States Central Command, American forces intercepted Iranian drones and destroyed several attack boats during the clashes.

Defense officials say the incidents did not rise to the level of restarting major combat operations.

Pete Hegseth said the ceasefire remains intact for now, though the military continues monitoring the situation closely.

“Right now the ceasefire certainly holds, but we’re going to be watching very, very closely,” Hegseth said.

Iran’s top diplomat said negotiations are progressing with mediation assistance from Pakistan.

The main disagreement remains the U.S. demand that Iran permanently abandon efforts to develop nuclear weapons and surrender its enriched uranium stockpile.

“We can’t let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

Marco Rubio defended the administration’s approach while addressing concerns over rising gas prices linked to the conflict.

Rubio argued a nuclear-armed Iran could have even greater economic consequences if it disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

“If Iran had a nuclear weapon and they decided to close the straits and make our gas prices like $9 a gallon or $8 a gallon, wouldn’t be able to do anything about it,” Rubio said.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high after Iran launched new attacks against the United Arab Emirates, a major U.S. ally in the region, raising concerns about additional threats to oil infrastructure.