According to a statement on social media on May 5 (US time), President Donald Trump affirmed that the two sides have agreed to temporarily suspend Operation "Project Freedom" for a short time to assess the possibility of completing and signing a comprehensive agreement, even though the blockade is still maintained.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the operation as starting to support stranded ships to leave the area. The Strait of Hormuz has been almost closed since the conflict broke out, disrupting about 20% of global oil supplies and causing an energy crisis.
After Mr. Trump's announcement, US crude oil prices fell sharply, below the 100 USD/barrel mark. The White House has not specified details about the progress of negotiations as well as the time to suspend the campaign.
Mr. Rubio said that the main US military campaign, called "Epic Fury", has been stopped, emphasizing that Washington does not want further escalation. The US military previously claimed to have destroyed several Iranian small ships, cruise missiles and UAVs.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed that the US has established a safe corridor for commercial ships, with hundreds of ships waiting to move across the strait. He said that the ceasefire is still maintained, although the situation needs to be closely monitored.
The two sides continue to provide contradictory information. The US said it successfully escorted a commercial ship, while Iran denied it. Some attacks are still recorded, including a cargo ship being hit and attacks by missiles and UAVs targeting the UAE, although Iran denies involvement.
The prolonged conflict has strongly impacted the global economy. Negotiations are still ongoing with Pakistan's mediating role, but have not made a clear breakthrough.
