Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed that the decision of United States President Donald Trump to suspend ‘Project Freedom’ in the Strait of Hormuz, terming the move as bold, timely and a positive development.
In a statement issued on social media, the prime minister said the positive response of the United States, made at the request of Pakistan and other brotherly countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, would play an important role in promoting peace, stability and reconciliation in the region.
He said Pakistan would continue to support de-escalation, restraint and the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue, expressing hope that the present development would lead to lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Earlier, it was noted that United States President Donald Trump announced that Iran and the United States had agreed to suspend ‘Project Freedom’ for a short period at the request of Pakistan and other countries.
In a statement issued on Truth Social, the US president said the decision followed an extraordinary military success in the campaign against Iran and progress towards a final agreement with Iranian representatives.
He said it had been mutually agreed that, while the blockade would remain fully in force, ‘Project Freedom’ — the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz — would be temporarily halted.
The pause, he added, was intended to assess whether the proposed agreement could be finalised and signed. ‘Project Freedom’ seeks to ensure the safety of global commercial vessels and their crews passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States had earlier warned of serious consequences if Iran interfered with the operation, including actions involving American vessels or relief efforts.
Under the plan, US forces had also targeted Iranian fast boats operating in the Strait. The initiative followed Iran’s rejection of new proposals related to ending the conflict.
