Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif Thanks Trump for Pausing ‘Project Freedom’ After Mediation Push
ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly thanked President Donald Trump on Tuesday for pausing “Project Freedom,” the U.S. naval operation in the Strait of Hormuz, and credited the diplomatic intervention of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the decision.
In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif described Trump’s move as “courageous” and “timely,” and said it would advance “regional peace, stability, and reconciliation during this sensitive period.”
“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 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and my dear brother Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia H.R.H Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period.”
— Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Mediation Takes Center Stage
The overture marks a significant diplomatic victory for Pakistan, which has served as the primary mediator between Washington and Tehran since the war began on February 28 . Islamabad hosted the first round of US-Iran peace talks on April 11-12 and has continued to shuttle proposals between the two sides .
Sharif’s specific reference to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlights the unusual diplomatic alignment between Riyadh and Islamabad on the issue, even as the UAE publicly demands that Iran reopen the strait. The Saudi kingdom has condemned Iranian attacks on the UAE but has also supported the diplomatic track mediated by Pakistan .
The “pause” is temporary—Trump made clear that the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains “in full force and effect”—but it is the first time the US has paused its military pressure since Project Freedom launched on Monday .
📈 Oil Market Reaction
Global crude prices plunged following Trump’s announcement, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropping nearly 10% to trade below the $100-per-barrel mark for the first time in weeks . The decline reflects market optimism that a negotiated solution could ease supply disruptions that have gripped global energy markets since the war began .
📋 Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| What Sharif Said | Thanked Trump for “courageous leadership,” credits Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and MBS for the pause |
| The Announcement | Trump paused “Project Freedom” — US naval escort mission in Strait of Hormuz |
| Mediators | Pakistan (primary), Saudi Arabia (supporting) |
| Blockade Status | US naval blockade of Iranian ports “remains in full force and effect,” Trump says |
| Oil Prices | WTI dropped nearly 10% following announcement |
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