Iran latest: “Project Freedom” pause could pave way for Iran deal

The United States military halted its recent initiative to help ships stranded in the Persian Gulf navigate safely through the Strait of Hormuz, so those vessels can reach their destinations.

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday a pause in the program, dubbed "Project Freedom," while noting that the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect. The president attributed the move to requests from other countries, including Pakistan, whose leadership has been moderating negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.

The post addressed the peace talks, as well, with Trump stating that "great progress" had been made toward a final agreement with Iranian leadership. He said the decision to put "Project Freedom" on hold would allow time to see if a permanent deal could be reached. 

U.S. Navy MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters are supporting Project Freedom in and near the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier today, Sea Hawk and U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters were used to eliminate Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping. (U.S. Nav

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the situation for crews stuck on board those ships during a news conference held hours before Trump’s announcement. Calling the sailors "innocent bystanders," Rubio pointed out they were running out of food and supplies.

"They’re sitting ducks, they’re isolated, they’re starving, they’re vulnerable," Rubio said. "At least 10 sailors have already died as a result."

Outside of Trump’s social media post, there has been little word on the progress of negotiations with Iran since talks collapsed last month. As of Tuesday night, the White House had not released details about new activity in light of the president’s announcement.

Here is the latest:

China weighs in on Iran conflict

7:05 a.m. ET: China's foreign minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Abbas Araghchi and said he was "deeply distressed" by the conflict, calling for a comprehensive ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. 

Araghchi visited China for the first time since the war started. President Trump is scheduled for a planned to Beijing for a high-profile summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14-15.