President Donald Trump says the United States is pausing “Project Freedom,” a U.S. military effort to guide and help commercial ships move out of the Strait of Hormuz. Multiple outlets report Trump announced the pause after the operation began on Monday and after a short period of time. Trump links the decision to an effort to finalize and sign an agreement with Iran. He says “great progress” has been made toward a “complete and final agreement,” and that the pause is intended to create space for diplomacy while talks continue.

Sources also report Trump says the blockade of Iran’s ports remains in full force and effect, even as “Project Freedom” is suspended temporarily. Several outlets attribute the pause to requests from Pakistan and other nations, according to Trump’s statements, alongside the cited progress on negotiations. The operation is described as being aimed at reducing disruptions for shipping through the strategic waterway. The U.S. position is presented as part of broader pressure on Iran in connection with the ongoing war that the United States and Israel began on February 28.