Trump Halts Ship-Protection Push as Iran Deal Talks Gain Momentum

President Trump paused Project Freedom, the U.S. effort to guide ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a final Iran agreement. The pause comes after days of tension and warnings about the blockade’s impact on sailors, even as markets rose on hopes diplomacy could unlock access to the vital waterway; analysts had questioned the plan’s effectiveness amid the broader conflict with Iran.