Trump pauses Hormuz plan 50 hours after he announced it - what happened?

May 6, 2026

President Donald Trump suspended "Project Freedom," a military operation to escort merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz, only two days after launching it. The initiative, which deployed destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and 15,000 military personnel, was announced Sunday to address Iran's effective blockade of the waterway that carries approximately 20% of global oil and gas supplies. During the brief operation, multiple vessels were reportedly attacked, including ships from the UAE, South Korea, and France, with conflicting accounts about casualties from US strikes on Iranian boats.

Who is affected

Approximately 1,000 vessels with around 20,000 seafarers stranded in the region
Two US-flagged merchant vessels
UAE's state-owned oil company Adnoc and its affiliated tanker
South Korean ship crew
French CMA CGM group ship and its injured crew members
Five civilians reported killed (according to Iranian sources)
Ship owners and insurers
15,000 US military service personnel deployed for the operation
Global economy facing oil price increases

What action is being taken

Project Freedom has been paused
US Representatives are having discussions with Iran
Transit volumes through the Strait of Hormuz continue to drop

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas flows. Iran's threats to ships using the strait have led to large increases in oil prices and created fears for the global economy. The blockage affects international commerce and has left thousands of seafarers stranded, creating both an economic and humanitarian crisis with global implications.

What's next

President Trump stated that Project Freedom will be paused "for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed" with Iran. The US anticipates determining if progress in discussions with Iran can lead to a finalized deal.

Read full article from source: BBC