The United States has paused its effort to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a move signalling a potential shift toward diplomacy after weeks of indirect talks with Iran.
The initiative, known as Project Freedom, relied on US military, air and naval assets to safeguard maritime traffic in one of the world’s most critical waterways.
Officials say discussions between Washington and Tehran have continued through intermediaries, with Pakistan relaying messages between the two sides.
While recent direct talks in Islamabad produced no agreement, signs of progress have emerged. The US is maintaining pressure through a blockade of Iranian ports while suspending escorts, a step aimed at preserving leverage and advancing negotiations toward a possible diplomatic resolution.
