Pakistan Thanks Trump for Suspending Hormuz Escorts

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday for suspending Project Freedom, a U.S. military operation to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, hours after Trump's announcement citing progress in negotiations with Iran.

In a statement posted on X, Sharif expressed gratitude for Trump's "gracious response to the request made by Pakistan and other brotherly countries, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." He said the pause would advance "regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period." Pakistan "remains firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy," Sharif added. He voiced hope that the momentum would lead to "a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond."

Trump announced the temporary suspension on Tuesday, following what he described as tremendous military success in the U.S. campaign against Iran. Project Freedom, launched days earlier, aimed to restore freedom of navigation for non-Iranian vessels amid disruptions in the strait, one of the...