US President Donald Trump announced the temporary suspension of the Project Freedom military mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in full force. He made the announcement on his platform, Truth Social.

"Project Freedom (passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be suspended for a short period of time to see if it is possible to finalize and sign the agreement [with Iran]," — the American leader wrote.

Trump cited requests from Pakistan and a number of other countries, as well as the US's "tremendous military successes" in the campaign against Iran and "significant progress" in the negotiation process with Tehran, as reasons for his decision.

"Based on the request of Pakistan and other countries, the tremendous military success we have achieved during the campaign against the country of Iran, and furthermore the fact that great progress has been made towards a full and final agreement with the representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that while the blockade remains in full force, the implementation of the Project Freedom mission will be suspended for a short period of time." — Trump said in a statement.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the end of Operation Epic Fury against Iran at a White House press conference, noting that its objectives had been achieved. He also emphasized that the US was transitioning to Project Freedom, describing it as a defensive mission to create a "safe haven" for commercial vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio added that the Strait of Hormuz does not belong to Iran, and the country has no right to close it or charge tolls for passage.

“We think it is best that these straits be open as they should be open – as they were before,” — the Secretary of State emphasized.