ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding a pause in US actions in the Strait of Hormuz, at Pakistan’s request.

Trump’s so-called “Project Freedom” to help vessels leave the strait, the narrow chokepoint to the Gulf where Iran has seized control in response to being attacked, began on Monday.

Earlier in the day, the US president posted on his Truth Social account that after a request by mediator Pakistan and other countries, “Project Freedom... will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed”.

However, he maintained that the US blockade of Iran would remain in full force and effect.

Only hours earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had briefed reporters on the effort to escort stranded tankers through the strait. A day earlier, the US military said it had destroyed several Iranian small boats, as well as cruise missiles and drones.

In a post on X, PM Shehbaz wrote: “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.”

He noted that President Trump’s response to requests from Pakistan and other countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and its Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, would contribute positively to regional peace, stability, and reconciliation during a sensitive period.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at restraint and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

“We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” he added.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2026