US President Donald Trump has announced a temporary halt to the US military’s “Project Freedom” operation, aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump cited “great progress” towards a potential agreement with Iran, stating the operation would be suspended for “a short period” to assess if a “complete and final agreement” could be reached, despite ongoing tensions in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Washington of pursuing a “maximum pressure” policy and expecting Iran to submit to unilateral demands.
**Developments in Iran:**
Trump’s decision to pause the Hormuz escorts came after just one day of the “Project Freedom” operation, which began on Monday, in an effort to secure a deal with Iran to end the Middle East conflict. Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that a cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. Concerns are also growing for imprisoned Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi, with supporters warning of her “catastrophic” health decline and appealing for urgent international intervention. Her legal team reported she has suffered heart attacks and severe medical neglect in custody.
**War Diplomacy:**
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in Beijing, as reported by China’s Xinhua news agency, though details of the discussion were not provided. Analyst Jodie Wen highlighted China’s role as a key diplomatic channel, noting Araghchi’s visit during a sensitive period marked by the Gulf shipping crisis, conflict with the US, and Trump’s planned China trip. Beijing is likely attempting to steer Tehran back towards negotiations and stabilize the Strait of Hormuz. In other diplomatic news, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by telephone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov amidst deadly Russian attacks across Ukraine.
**In the Gulf:**
Iranian state TV quoted a military official stating Iran had “no preplanned programme” to attack oil facilities in the United Arab Emirates, following UAE accusations regarding a drone attack at an energy installation in Fujairah. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a recent visit to the region, offered Bahrain his country’s expertise in countering Russian- and Iranian-made drones.
**From the US:**
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Tuesday that the US had completed its offensive operations against Iran, nearly a month into a fragile ceasefire. “The operation is over – Epic Fury – as the president notified Congress. We’re done with that stage of it,” Rubio told reporters. However, Washington’s top military officer stated US forces are ready to resume combat operations against Iran if ordered, with the Pentagon threatening a “devastating” response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Hormuz Strait. President Trump urged Iran to “do the smart thing” and make a deal to end the war, expressing his reluctance to “kill more Iranians” even as the ceasefire teetered.
**In Israel:**
A new survey by the Israel Democracy Institute revealed that 59 percent of Israelis oppose ending the war with Iran at this stage, while nearly two-thirds expect a return to large-scale conflict. The poll also indicated growing concern over US influence on Israeli defense decisions and deep pessimism about the chances of a stable deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
**In Lebanon, Gaza:**
Three people, including a minor, were injured when Israeli settlers attacked the community of Rujum Ili, south of Hebron, as reported by the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Israeli forces detained three others, including a foreign activist. Residents also reported settler attacks on nearby communities, attempts to steal livestock, and several Palestinians suffering tear gas inhalation. Regarding Lebanon, Rubio stated Washington is working to keep Israel-Lebanon talks going but identified Hezbollah as the main obstacle.
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