Washington temporarily halts maritime operation in Hormuz as talks with Iran advance, while Rubio demands Tehran accept US conditions.
US President Donald Trump announced that the “Freedom Project” operation has been temporarily suspended.
In a statement shared on social media, Trump said the decision followed requests from Pakistan and several other countries, as well as what he described as significant military successes achieved during operations against Iran. He also cited progress in negotiations with Iranian representatives toward a “full and final agreement.”
Trump emphasized that although the blockade remains fully in force, both sides agreed to pause the operation briefly in order to determine whether a final agreement can be completed and signed.
RUBIO CALLS ON IRAN TO ACCEPT TERMS
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated during a press conference that Iran must return to the negotiating table and accept the proposed conditions.
Rubio said that 10 civilian sailors had been killed during clashes in the Strait of Hormuz and confirmed that US forces struck seven Iranian speedboats.
US PUSHES FOR OPEN SHIPPING ROUTES
Rubio stressed that Washington will continue efforts to maintain freedom of navigation and reopen maritime routes. He said the US objective is to ensure the strait remains open without mines, transit fees, or restrictions on shipping.
WARNING ON SANCTIONS
Commenting on Iran’s economy, Rubio claimed inflation in the country had reached 70 percent and said the Iranian currency continues to weaken. He warned that entities helping Iran evade sanctions could face secondary sanctions and lose access to the US financial system.
