WASHINGTON/CAIRO, 6 May 2026 – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States would temporarily pause its operation to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, citing “great progress” toward a potential comprehensive agreement with Iran.
Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the escort mission for stranded tankers in the Gulf began on Monday. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, has been severely disrupted since the conflict escalated, affecting around 20% of global oil flows and contributing to a wider energy crisis.
“We have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom … will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed,” Trump wrote on social media.
There was no immediate response from Tehran, where it was early Wednesday morning.
Following the announcement, U.S. crude oil futures fell $2.30, slipping below the $100-per-barrel mark, a key threshold since prices surged during the conflict.
The White House did not immediately comment on the reported diplomatic progress or the expected duration of the pause.
U.S. officials reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to control maritime traffic through the strait. Iranian forces have reportedly threatened the use of mines, drones, missiles, and fast-attack craft, while the U.S. has responded with port blockades and escorted transits for commercial ships.
The U.S. military said it had destroyed several Iranian small boats, along with missiles and drones, in recent operations.
Rubio later said “Operation Epic Fury is concluded,” adding that Washington was not seeking further escalation. He said one of the key objectives was to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, an allegation Tehran denies, though concerns remain over its enriched uranium stockpile.
Shortly after, Britain’s Maritime Trade Operations reported a cargo vessel had been struck in the strait, though details were not immediately available.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said safe passage through the waterway had been secured, with commercial vessels beginning to move under military escort. He added that the ceasefire with Iran remained in place but would be closely monitored.
General Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Iranian attacks on U.S. forces had fallen below the threshold for renewed large-scale combat operations.
Tensions in the region remain high, with the United Arab Emirates reporting continued missile and drone activity and reserving the right to respond.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Pakistan reportedly mediating discussions. However, talks between U.S. and Iranian officials have yet to produce a lasting agreement. -Reuters
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