Pakistan Reveals: Saudi Arabia Joined Request to Suspend "Project Freedom"
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that Saudi Arabia joined diplomatic efforts to halt the U.S. military escort operation in the vital waterway.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia played a key role in the diplomatic pressure that led U.S. President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend "Project Freedom," the American military operation aimed at escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The announcement comes just hours after President Trump confirmed a pause in the operation, citing significant progress in negotiations with Iran.
The Diplomatic Push
In a statement released Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Sharif welcomed the American decision and explicitly linked the move to a joint diplomatic effort between Islamabad and Riyadh.
"I thank President Trump for responding to our request, and that of the Saudis, to halt the military operation for escorting ships in the Hormuz," Sharif stated.
The U.S. Position: A Strategic Pause
President Trump announced the temporary suspension of the maritime security corridor overnight. According to the White House, the decision was made to provide a "diplomatic window" following requests from Pakistan and other regional partners.
However, the U.S. President emphasized that this is not a total withdrawal:
The naval blockade of Iranian interests will continue.
Project Freedom" is only being paused for a short duration to determine if a formal agreement with Iran can be finalized.
Regional Implications
The revelation of Saudi involvement is significant, as it suggests a shift toward a coordinated regional diplomatic strategy involving both Pakistan and the Gulf monarchies. The Strait of Hormuz remains the world’s most vital oil chokepoint, and the suspension of U.S. escorts marks a critical, and potentially volatile, pivot in the ongoing standoff with Tehran.
Analysts suggest that the success of this diplomatic gamble now rests entirely on the upcoming negotiations between Washington and Tehran.