US pauses Hormuz escorts, Trump says progress on Iran deal - Index-Journal

President Trump announced a temporary pause in escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing a desire to finalize a peace deal with Iran and warning of a ‘devastating’ response to any new Iranian attacks. Despite recent escalations between the US and Iran, including missile and drone attacks, efforts to restart negotiations and the ship-guiding operation’s suspension present a complex dynamic. Iran continues to retaliate, while China remains a key customer for Iranian oil, supporting sanctions evasion.