Trump posted on Truth Social on Tuesday, May 5: “Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran”.
He went on to say: “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”
The US and Israel carried out joint strikes on several key Iranian sites from February 28. Iran retaliated by striking sites across the Middle East and closing the strait, through which 20% of global oil traded passes.
The US has implemented a blockade on Iranian ports in the strait in a bid to choke the Iranian economy, lift the closure and pressure long-term peace negotiations.
On Monday, Trump announced that the US military would escort vessels belonging to nations uninvolved in the conflict out of the vital trade route.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that at least 10 sailors have already died as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
He added that the US is coming to the aid of some “23,000 civilian sailors” who have been “stranded” in the Persian Gulf and “left for dead” in the strait. He described them as “sitting ducks” who are “isolated”, “starving” and “vulnerable”.
Rubio said it’s important for Iran to “come to the negotiating table” and “accept terms”. “The alternative is growing isolation, economic collapse, and ultimately total defeat,” he said.
“They really shouldn’t test the will of the United States.”
Reports are circulating that Trump could resume the war in Iran with fresh strikes in days.
Axios journalist Barak Ravid reports that “some senior American and Israeli officials” believe that the US leader could order the war to resume “later this week if the diplomatic stalemate continues”.