PM hails President Trump move to pause ‘Project Freedom’ amid Hormuz tensions

• Premier Shehbaz says development came in response to requests from Pakistan, other countries, particularly Saudi Arabia

• Says move will advance peace and stability as operation pause follows reported progress on US–Iran agreement talks

• Oil prices fall as markets react to easing Gulf shipping tensions

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to pause “Project Freedom” — the US-led operation aimed at escorting stranded commercial ships through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — calling it "a positive step toward regional peace and diplomacy."

In a post on X, the prime minister thanked President Trump for his “courageous leadership and timely announcement” regarding the temporary suspension of the operation, which Trump said followed “great progress” toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran and requests from Pakistan and other countries.

I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership and timely announcement regarding the pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump's gracious response to the request made by Pakistan and other brotherly countries, particularly the…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 6, 2026

PM Shehbaz said the development came in response to appeals by Pakistan and “other brotherly countries,” particularly the Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“The President’s gracious response to these requests will go a long way in advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period,” the prime minister wrote.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan remained “firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.”

The prime minister also expressed hope that the current diplomatic momentum would pave the way for a lasting agreement capable of ensuring durable peace and long-term stability in the region and beyond.

Trump announced the pause in “Project Freedom” hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the operation, which began on Monday to escort stranded tankers out of the Strait of Hormuz after shipping disruptions triggered a severe energy crisis.

The strait, through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes, has remained virtually shut since the conflict began, causing major disruptions to global energy markets and driving oil prices sharply higher.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the pause was based on Pakistan’s request and other countries, citing what he described as “tremendous military success” and “great progress” toward a “complete and final agreement” with Iranian representatives.

Following Trump’s announcement, US crude oil futures fell by $2.30, dropping below the $100-per-barrel mark — a key threshold closely watched by global markets after weeks of soaring prices.

The White House did not immediately comment on the nature of the progress made in negotiations or how long the pause in the operation would remain in place.

Earlier, Rubio and senior US officials had reiterated that Iran could not be allowed to control maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has effectively blocked access to the strategic waterway by threatening to deploy mines, drones, missiles, and fast-attack craft, while the US responded by maintaining a blockade on Iranian ports and conducting escorted maritime transits.

The US military said on Monday it had destroyed several Iranian small boats, along with cruise missiles and drones, amid escalating tensions.

The conflict escalated after the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory strikes by Tehran on Israel and regional countries hosting US military assets.

The war has remained on hold since April 8, when Pakistan mediated a two-week ceasefire between the parties.

Following the ceasefire, Pakistan hosted the highest-level US-Iran talks since the 1979 Iranian Revolution in Islamabad last weekend. While the talks ended without an agreement, the ceasefire has remained intact.