U.S. President Donald Trump paused the military’s “Project Freedom” operation in the Strait of Hormuz on May 5, citing “great progress” toward a potential agreement with Iran, while warning Wednesday that any deal hinges on Tehran’s compliance and that “much higher” bombing could resume if negotiations fail.
Trump’s comments mark a shift in tone as U.S. and Iranian negotiators remain near a 14-point framework to end the conflict, now in its third month. While Trump said he is reviewing Iran’s latest proposal—submitted May 3 and calling for a 30-day resolution to end hostilities—he declared it “too soon” for direct talks, insisting any agreement must address “all issues” before negotiations can proceed.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced Wednesday that it would provide “safe and sustainable transit” through the Strait of Hormuz under “unpecified procedures,” a move that came hours after Trump’s pause on Project Freedom. The operation, launched May 2 to escort commercial vessels through the strategic waterway, had drawn criticism from Tehran and regional allies.
Trump’s Cautious Approach Amid Diplomatic Push
Trump’s warning of “much higher” bombing if Iran does not comply with a potential deal underscores the high-stakes nature of the negotiations. In a statement to reporters Wednesday, he framed the pause in Project Freedom as a strategic move, saying, “We have made great progress toward a complete and final agreement with Iran, and we want to see where this goes.”
He added that the U.S. would not abandon its commitment to protecting maritime traffic but would temporarily halt the escort mission to avoid escalating tensions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had earlier described Project Freedom as essential to “rescue” sailors stranded by Iranian actions, did not immediately comment on Trump’s decision. However, Rubio had previously stated that the operation was designed to counter Iran’s “aggression” in the Strait of Hormuz, where attacks on commercial shipping have disrupted global trade routes.
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Iran’s latest proposal, submitted May 3, calls for a 30-day timeline to resolve outstanding issues, including the release of frozen Iranian assets and a halt to nuclear enrichment. Trump’s team has not yet confirmed whether the proposal meets U.S. demands, but sources close to the negotiations suggest that Iran’s offer includes concessions on both nuclear activities and regional security guarantees.
Regional Reactions and Uncertainty
Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Israel, have expressed skepticism about the pace of negotiations. Israeli officials, who have been privately briefed on the talks, have warned that any deal must include verifiable restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for proxy groups in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has urged the U.S. to maintain pressure on Iran until a comprehensive agreement is reached.
In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai told state-linked ISNA news agency that Iran is reviewing the U.S. response to its 14-point plan. Baghai emphasized that Iran remains committed to a diplomatic solution but warned that “any delay or obstruction by the U.S. will be met with firm responses.” The Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s announcement Wednesday that it would allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz—without specifying conditions—has been interpreted by some analysts as a signal of goodwill, though others caution that Tehran may be testing U.S. intentions.
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What Comes Next?
The next critical juncture in the negotiations will likely be Trump’s review of Iran’s proposal, which he has said he will complete “in the coming days.” If the U.S. and Iran can bridge remaining gaps, a formal agreement could be announced as early as next week. However, the risk of renewed hostilities remains high, particularly if either side perceives the other as backtracking.
In the Strait of Hormuz, commercial shipping remains on high alert. While Iran’s announcement of safe passage offers temporary relief, the U.S. Navy has not withdrawn its forces from the region, and Project Freedom’s pause does not signal an end to the military’s presence. Analysts warn that any breakdown in talks could lead to a rapid escalation, with both sides accused of preparing for potential strikes.
For now, the focus remains on whether Trump’s “great progress” claim holds up under scrutiny. If the negotiations collapse, the U.S. has signaled it is prepared to resume “heavier bombing” and other military measures. The coming days will determine whether diplomacy or force will define the next phase of the conflict.
