U.S. President Donald Trump halted a U.S. military operation escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz on May 5, 2026, after one day of activity, aiming to secure a deal with Iran to end the West Asia war. The decision reorients U.S. naval posture from force projection to diplomatic signaling as Tehran holds control of the strategic chokepoint.

Trump announced “Project Freedom” commenced on May 4, 2026, to assist vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, citing Iranian seizures of shipping control following attacks on the Islamic Republic. The operation was designed to ensure free passage through the Gulf’s narrow maritime gateway but lasted less than 24 hours.

Iran’s seizure of the strait followed retaliatory actions linked to broader hostilities involving U.S. strikes on Iran and the ongoing war. The Hormuz corridor accounts for a critical share of global oil transit, and its disruption has escalated regional risk.

U.S. officials framed the pause as a calibrated step to advance negotiations, with further military options retained pending diplomatic progress. The White House and Pentagon will assess reactivation of the escort mission should talks stall in the coming days.