President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the U.S. operation, "Project Freedom," to guide stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz would be paused for a "short period" by "mutual agreement," citing "great progress" toward a deal with Iran. The decision, made at Pakistan's request as an intermediary, came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared the initial U.S.-Israeli offensive, Operation Epic Fury, complete after achieving its objectives. However, the announcement undercut earlier messaging from top U.S. officials vowing to ensure freedom of navigation. Iranian state media characterized the pause as a U.S. retreat after failures, while the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains in place. The pause's success depends on whether Iranian interference continues to stymie global shipping.