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THE United States has temporarily suspended its effort to escort stranded commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, with President Donald Trump citing emerging diplomatic progress towards a potential agreement with Iran to end the ongoing conflict.
Citing a social media statement issued on Tuesday evening, AP reported Trump saying the operation, launched only a day earlier to reopen one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, would be paused “for a short period” to allow space for negotiations to advance.
However, he confirmed that the US naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in force.
Trump said the decision followed “the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran.”
Despite the president’s claims, there has been no official confirmation of a breakthrough in talks.
Negotiations have largely stalled in recent weeks, although a ceasefire that took effect nearly a month ago continues to hold, albeit under strain.
Earlier on Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that any lasting peace would require Iran to accept US demands regarding its nuclear programme and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz fully to international shipping.
“We would prefer the path of peace,” Rubio said, adding that he hoped China would use forthcoming diplomatic engagements with Iran to encourage compliance. He referred to an anticipated visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Beijing as a potential opportunity for such pressure.
The US operation to reopen the strait had been framed as a defensive mission aimed at relieving thousands of civilian sailors trapped by the conflict. Rubio described their situation as dire, stating:
“They’re sitting ducks, they’re isolated, they’re starving, they’re vulnerable. At least 10 sailors have already died as a result.”
On Monday, US forces reported opening a transit lane and engaging Iranian vessels they said posed a threat, claiming six small boats were sunk.
Iran has disputed this account, asserting that two civilian cargo boats were struck instead, resulting in five deaths.
Military officials indicated that tensions had somewhat eased by Tuesday. General Dan Caine described the day as “quieter,” noting that recent Iranian actions had not escalated to what he termed “major combat operations.”
Rubio reiterated that US forces were acting defensively, stating: “There’s no shooting unless we’re shot at first, OK? We’re not attacking them.”
Iranian officials have pushed back against US actions, arguing that attempts to reopen the strait violate the ceasefire. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that Tehran had yet to fully respond, saying: “We know full well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America; while we have not even begun yet.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of global concern. Prior to the conflict, it served as a vital artery for oil, gas, and other commodities. Its disruption has driven up energy prices and unsettled international markets.
Despite US claims of progress, commercial shipping has been slow to resume. Only two US-flagged merchant vessels have successfully transited the route under American oversight so far. Major shipping firms remain cautious, citing ongoing security risks.
The narrow waterway, just 21 miles wide at its tightest point, leaves vessels exposed to potential missile, drone, and naval attacks. Iran retains the capability to target ships across the entire strait and has previously enforced its own transit conditions along its coastline.
Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high. The United Arab Emirates reported coming under renewed drone and missile attack on Tuesday, though no casualties were recorded.
A previous strike had ignited a fire at an oil facility and injured three foreign workers. Iran has denied responsibility for these incidents.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the pause in US escort operations underscores the fragile balance between military pressure and the pursuit of a negotiated settlement in a conflict that continues to carry significant global implications. - May 6, 2026
