Trump Halts Iran Strait Project Hours After Officials Praise It, Citing Negotiations

President Donald Trump’s sudden reversal on Iran policy left his administration’s top officials scrambling after they publicly endorsed a key military plan just hours before he shelved it.

In a Truth Social post on Tuesday evening, Trump announced he was pausing “Project Freedom”—a U.S. Navy initiative to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz—for a “short period of time” to facilitate negotiations with Iran. He stated:

“We have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.”

President DONALD J. TRUMP

However, earlier that same day, senior officials had publicly praised the plan during press conferences. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth claimed the operation demonstrated U.S. dominance over the strait:

“Two U.S. commercial ships, along with American destroyers, have already safely transited the Strait, showing the lane is clear. We know the Iranians are embarrassed by this fact. They said they control the Strait. They do not.”

Hegseth added, “We maintain the upper hand, and Project Freedom only strengthens that hand.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also endorsed the plan, framing it as a tool for peace rather than escalation:

“Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation. We’re not cheering for an additional situation to occur. We would prefer the path of peace. What the president would prefer is a deal.”

Rubio emphasized that Project Freedom would be defensive, stating the U.S. would only respond with force “unless we’re shot at.”

The abrupt shift left officials contradicting the president’s latest move, as Trump’s administration continues to send mixed signals on Iran policy. While Trump has declared the war with Iran “over,” his administration has alternated between threats and diplomatic overtures, leaving allies and adversaries alike uncertain about U.S. intentions.