WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 6, 2026
Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. will pause “Project Freedom” — the military plan aimed at reopening shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz — less than 48 hours after its deployment, citing “great progress” in negotiations with Iran.
Speaking on Tuesday, President Trump described the recent conflict with Iran as merely “a minor skirmish” and remarked that Tehran “knows what not to do.”
Despite the suspension of ship escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz, the Trump administration confirmed that the blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect.
Pete Hegseth stated that the U.S. is maintaining military pressure and that Iranian attacks following the ceasefire have not yet crossed the threshold that would prompt Washington to restart major military operations.
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio announced that campaign “Operation Epic Fury” has concluded, but the U.S. will continue to maintain sanctions against Iran.
Mr. Rubio warned that any country violating U.S. sanctions targeting Iran could face secondary sanctions.
At the same time, France announced the deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle toward the southern Red Sea to signal that Paris is “ready to protect security in the Strait of Hormuz.”
According to President Emmanuel Macron’s office, this move is part of a multinational initiative involving more than 40 countries to support the restoration of maritime activity in the region.
In other developments, President Trump continued to criticize many European NATO allies for failing to support the U.S. in the conflict with Iran.
He announced further cuts to U.S. troops stationed in Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz made remarks perceived as critical of the U.S. strategy toward Iran.
Nile Gardiner, a former advisor to the late Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, said President Trump “has reason to be angry” at the attitude of some European allies.
