President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, May 5, that he was halting the United States military operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after just one day. This decision is part of an effort to reach an agreement with Iran to end the Middle East war. Trump's initiative, known as “Project Freedom,” began on Monday to aid vessels leaving the Strait of Hormuz. However, Trump stated on Truth Social that he was pausing the operation at the request of mediator Pakistan and other countries, citing “Great Progress” towards a complete agreement with Tehran. Washington is maintaining a blockade of Iran’s ports to pressure Iran into a deal. Tensions had risen over the Hormuz operation, with the United States claiming to have sunk seven Iranian boats. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States had completed its offensive operations against Iran, dubbing it “Operation Epic Fury.” Rubio added that the United States has “achieved the objectives” of the war, while Trump still prefers a negotiated deal with Iran.