• US President Donald Trump announced a pause in the military operation ‘Project Freedom’ to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, just two days after launching it.
  • The operation was launched on Sunday to unblock the crucial waterway through which about 20% of the world’s oil and gas flows, which Iran has effectively closed since the start of the war.
  • Trump cited progress in negotiations with Iran as the reason for the pause, saying talks could lead to ‘something very positive for all’.
  • During the two days of operation, the US military successfully escorted two US-flagged merchant vessels through the strait.
  • About 1,000 vessels with 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the region, according to the Baltic and International Maritime Council.
  • Centcom reported that the operation would involve guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, and 15,000 service personnel.

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