Trump: Pausing operations in the Strait of Hormuz in an effort to reach an agreement with Iran

(Patria) - President Donald Trump announced that he is halting the US military escort operation through the Strait of Hormuz after only one day, in an attempt to reach an agreement with Iran to end the war in the Middle East, AFP reported.

Trump's so-called "Operation Freedom," which assists ships in leaving the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage to the Persian Gulf where Iran has taken control in response to an attack, began on Monday.

However, the US leader stated on Truth Social that he is now pausing it after requests from mediators Pakistan and other countries, saying that "great progress has been made towards a full and final agreement" with Tehran.

"We have mutually agreed that, although the blockade will remain in effect, Operation Freedom... will be paused for a short period to see if an Agreement can be finalized and signed," Trump said.

Washington is maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports in an attempt to pressure Iran into reaching an agreement to end the war that the United States and Israel launched on February 28.

Tensions have been escalating due to the operation in the Strait of Hormuz, with the United States announcing that it sank seven Iranian ships and several civilian vessels that were attacked, allegedly by Iran.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated earlier on Tuesday that the United States had completed its offensive operations against Iran, which they called "Operation Epic Fury."

Rubio's comments reflected statements to Congress nearly a month after the start of a ceasefire.

"The operation is over, Epic Fury, as the President has informed Congress. We have completed that phase," Rubio told reporters at the White House.

The clashes in the Strait of Hormuz were not part of the initial war, he said.

"This is not an offensive operation; this is a defensive operation," Rubio said.

"And that means very simply – no shots fired unless we are fired upon first."

Israel and the United States attacked Iran on February 28. Trump declared a ceasefire with Iran on April 8, which he has since extended, although negotiations with Tehran are stalled.

Rubio said that the United States had "achieved the objectives" of the war.