U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a signing ceremony in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington D.C. on the 5th (local time). [Reuters=Yonhap News]

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 5th (local time) that significant progress has been made in negotiations with Iran, and thus, the 'Project Freedom' to help merchant ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz to escape will be temporarily suspended.

President Trump stated on the social media platform Truth Social that day, "We have taken into consideration the requests from Pakistan and other countries, the tremendous military achievements we have made in our operations against Iran, and the significant progress towards a full and final agreement with the Iranian delegation," and made the announcement.

He added, "The blockade measures will remain in full effect, but Project Freedom will be temporarily suspended to see if an agreement can be finally reached and signed."

This announcement of suspension comes just one day after the launch of Project Freedom the previous day, leading to speculation that behind-the-scenes progress is being made in the negotiations for an end to the war and denuclearization with Iran.

However, President Trump stated that the maritime blockade against Iran will be maintained, thus adhering to his existing stance of cutting off Iran's financial lifeline (oil exports). This is interpreted as a measure to continue pressure on Iran during the remaining negotiation process.