U.S. Ends Offensive Against Iran as Trump Suspends Freedom Plan

The United States announced on May 5 that its offensive military operations against Iran had ended, shifting focus to securing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Yet after 66 days of U.S.‑Israeli airstrikes, a cargo ship was again attacked, underscoring that the conflict has not cooled. President Trump posted on social media that the “Freedom Plan” to facilitate vessel passage would be temporarily suspended, citing requests from Pakistan and other nations, military success against Iran, and progress toward a comprehensive agreement. He said both sides agreed to pause the plan while blockade measures remain in place, to test whether the agreement can be finalized.

Secretary of State Rubio declared “Operation Epic Fury” complete, saying objectives were achieved and the next goal is to establish a secure passage zone supported by naval and air forces. At the same time, a British monitoring agency reported a merchant ship hit by an unidentified flying object. U.S. data showed more than 1,550 merchant ships stranded in the Gulf, involving 22,000 crew, with shipping pressure mounting. Oil prices fluctuated sharply, falling 3.6% to below USD 111 per barrel after rising nearly 6% the previous day.

The U.S. government’s repeated description of the operation as ended eased domestic pressure on Trump and sidestepped War Powers Act concerns, as he had exceeded the 60‑day limit without congressional authorization. Regional military activity continues, with U.S. assistance enabling merchant ships to cross the strait and U.S. warships entering the Gulf. Rubio characterized tanker escorts as defensive, saying U.S. forces would not fire unless attacked. He said a U.S.‑backed UN Security Council resolution on the strait would be a real test, noting the draft demands Iran stop attacks, disclose and clear mines, and support a humanitarian corridor. He called it a modest request and said several countries support the U.S.‑led plan, though he did not name them. Rubio warned that Iran with nuclear weapons would hold the world hostage, raising fears of gasoline prices doubling.

Regional tensions remain high. The UAE said its defenses intercepted most of 20 missiles and drones launched from Iran, while U.S. officials downplayed the strikes as not violating the ceasefire. Iran’s military denied attacking the UAE, warning of overwhelming response if the UAE acts against Iranian territory. The Foreign Ministry rejected Abu Dhabi’s accusations, saying Iranian forces act only against U.S. aggression, while noting Iran has shown restraint. Diplomacy is stalled, with President Pezeshkian rejecting talks and insisting U.S. maximum pressure makes negotiations impossible. Tehran demands lifting of the port blockade, while Washington insists the blockade is weakening Iran’s oil exports to force concessions.

Bloomberg analyst Becca Wasser said the Freedom Plan was an attempt to break the strait deadlock that shadows the global economy, but warned it carries significant escalation risks, as shown by renewed fighting.