Tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel have taken a new turn as Washington temporarily pauses a military-backed operation in the Strait of Hormuz while diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the decision, saying progress has been made toward a potential agreement with Tehran.
The conflict escalated after joint strikes by Israel and the United States on February 28, which reportedly targeted key Iranian military figures and strategic installations. While the attacks caused significant damage, they did not lead to the collapse of the Iranian government.
Since then, Iran has responded with missile and drone operations across the region, intensifying already fragile tensions in the Middle East.
In response to maritime threats in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States launched a naval escort operation known as “Project Freedom,” aimed at helping commercial vessels pass through the critical waterway. The mission began on Monday but was short-lived.
Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the operation would be paused after diplomatic intervention from Pakistan and other mediating countries. He stated that “substantial progress” had been made toward reaching a final agreement with Iran.
According to him, both sides have agreed to temporarily maintain existing restrictions while negotiations continue, in hopes of finalizing a lasting deal.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz had escalated in recent weeks, with U.S. forces reporting the sinking of several Iranian boats. There were also claims of attacks on civilian vessels, which Washington linked to Iranian activity.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that American offensive operations under what was described as “Operation Epic Fury” have now concluded.
He clarified that the mission had shifted away from active combat, describing the remaining activities as defensive in nature. According to him, U.S. forces would only respond if attacked first.
Rubio also told reporters that the objectives of the operation had largely been achieved, pointing to economic pressure on Iran and damage to its strategic capacity.
The broader conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel has continued since February, when coordinated strikes targeted Iranian leadership and infrastructure. Despite the intensity of the attacks, Iran has maintained its government structure while expanding retaliatory actions across the region.
A ceasefire was previously announced by Trump in early April and later extended, although diplomatic talks have remained stalled.
While Washington insists it has achieved its strategic goals, officials also maintain that a negotiated settlement with Iran remains the preferred outcome, even as economic pressure on Tehran continues to mount.
The latest pause in military operations signals a possible shift from direct confrontation toward renewed diplomacy. However, with tensions still high in the Strait of Hormuz and no final agreement reached, the situation remains fragile and closely watched by the international community.
