President Donald Trump on Tuesday night announced a short-term pause on a U.S. operation to protect ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, saying that the drawdown was a sign negotiators were close to a deal with Iran.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that the decision was made “based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran.”
He added that a blockade against Iran would remain in effect until an agreement had been finalized.