PM Shehbaz lauds Trump ‘courageous leadership’ over Hormuz operation halt

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday thanked US President Donald Trump for what he called his “courageous leadership” and for temporarily halting a US naval escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the move could help advance regional peace efforts.

In a post on social media platform X, Sharif said Trump’s decision to pause “Project Freedom” followed requests from Pakistan and other “brotherly countries,” including Saudi Arabia and its Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“The President’s gracious response… will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period,” Sharif said, adding that Pakistan remained committed to supporting “restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.”

He expressed hope that the current diplomatic momentum would lead to a lasting agreement ensuring “durable peace and stability for the region and beyond.”

I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership and timely announcement regarding the pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump's gracious response to the request made by Pakistan and other brotherly countries, particularly the…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 6, 2026

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said that Washington would temporarily suspend its naval escort mission through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, citing progress in negotiations with Iran in which Pakistan has played a mediating role, according to his statement.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said both sides had agreed to pause the initiative known as “Project Freedom” to allow space for a broader agreement, although a wider blockade of the waterway would remain in place. Tehran did not immediately respond.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier outlined the escort operation, launched to guide commercial vessels through the critical shipping lane after weeks of disruptions linked to tensions with Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz — through which about a fifth of global oil shipments pass — has faced severe disruption during the crisis, triggering volatility in global energy markets.

Following Trump’s remarks, U.S. crude prices fell sharply, slipping below $100 per barrel for the first time in weeks.

Washington has accused Iran of threatening shipping through the use of mines, drones, missiles and fast attack craft, while Iran has denied targeting commercial navigation.

The conflict has drawn in regional actors and disrupted global trade routes, with ongoing diplomatic efforts yet to produce a breakthrough. Pakistan continues to be cited as playing a mediating role in backchannel discussions.