Trump Says Project Freedom Suspended at Pakistan's Request: 'Their Leadership Has Been Fantastic'

WASHINGTON D.C. - President Donald Trump has confirmed that the U.S. military operation known as Project Freedom - a naval escort mission designed to guide commercial ships through the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz - has been suspended following a direct request from Pakistan's leadership.

When asked by a reporter why the operation was halted, particularly after administration officials had described it as the "next phase of the war," Trump credited Pakistan's intervention.

🔴| Reporter: What happened with Project Freedom, Mr. President?

Why was that suspended? Administration officials were talking about this being the next phase of the war.

President Trump: Because the really wonderful leadership at the place. As you know, Pakistan has been… pic.twitter.com/05urtvkMk5

- The Intel Consortium (@IntelPk_) May 8, 2026

Trump's Remarks

"What happened with Project Freedom? Why was that suspended? Administration officials were talking about this being the next phase of the war," the reporter asked.

President Trump responded: "Because the really wonderful leadership at the place. As you know, Pakistan has been fantastic, and their leaders have been fantastic - the Field Marshal and the Prime Minister - and they asked us not to do it."

He added: "We'll go back to it if we have to. They asked us not to do it during the negotiation."

Project Freedom: A Brief Recap

Project Freedom was announced by President Trump on May 3, 2026, as a U.S.-led military operation to escort stranded commercial ships through the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz. The operation involved guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, and approximately 15,000 service members.

On May 4, two American-flagged merchant vessels successfully transited the strait with U.S. Navy destroyer support, marking the first such passage since Iran effectively halted commercial traffic on April 18.

However, the operation was subsequently suspended amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran, with Pakistan serving as the official mediator.

Pakistan's Mediation Role

Pakistan has emerged as the key facilitator in U.S.-Iran negotiations, following the ceasefire brokered by Islamabad on April 8. The first round of direct talks was held in Islamabad on April 11-12, and a second round remains under discussion.

The suspension of Project Freedom appears to be a confidence-building measure requested by Pakistani mediators to create a less provocative environment for negotiations.

Iran's Position

Iran has consistently warned that any foreign armed force entering the Strait of Hormuz would be targeted. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued new maritime rules granting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy expanded control over Gulf waters.

The suspension of U.S. naval escorts may reduce the risk of direct military confrontation, though Iran has continued to restrict commercial traffic through the strait.

What Comes Next

President Trump's comments suggest the suspension is temporary and conditional on continued diplomatic progress. "We'll go back to it if we have to," he warned, leaving open the possibility of resuming military escorts if negotiations fail.

Pakistan's mediation efforts continue, with a new Iranian proposal under review by the Trump administration. However, officials have signaled that the proposal remains unsatisfactory as it postpones discussion of Iran's nuclear program.