Operation Epic Fury declared ‘over’ and Project Freedom paused in abrupt pivot by Trump admin

WorldPolitics
6 May 2026 • 9:15 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Operation Epic Fury declared ‘over’ and Project Freedom paused in abrupt pivot by Trump admin

  • The Trump administration has paused its military offensive, Operation Epic Fury, and the humanitarian mission, Project Freedom, in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the end of the military phase, while President Trump stated the pause was "by mutual agreement" to facilitate talks with Iran.
  • Project Freedom was initially launched to rescue approximately 23,000 civilians from 87 countries stranded in the Persian Gulf after the Strait of Hormuz was largely closed due to conflict.
  • Despite the pause in the escort mission, President Trump confirmed that the blockade on Iranian ports and vessels would remain "in full force and effect."
  • Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that Iran would only accept a "fair and comprehensive agreement" in negotiations, having previously rejected US demands as "maximalist."

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