Live Updates

Trump to pause US effort to guide ships through Strait of Hormuz while blockade remains

Earlier today, Secretary of State Rubio said the US military operation launched in February was “over,” suggesting the US priority now was reopening the critical waterway.

Updated 7:53 PM EDT, Tue May 5, 2026

Pentagon reiterates 'the ceasefire is not over'

1:05

Here's the latest

• Status of the war: President Donald Trump said the US will pause “Project Freedom,” a naval effort aimed at guiding commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, to see whether a deal with Iran can be finalized. Just hours earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Operation Epic Fury — launched in February against Iran — has ended, and the US was focused on Project Freedom.

• Ceasefire ongoing: US military action during the ceasefire is a “defensive operation,” Rubio said. Earlier, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said “the ceasefire is not over,” and Trump also did not specify what would constitute a ceasefire violation.

• Economic impact: Demand for oil is falling at the fastest rate seen outside the Covid pandemic, as businesses and consumers cut consumption. US gas prices have increased by 50% since the start of the war.