Trump pauses escort of ships in Strait of Hormuz as he seeks Iran deal

US President Trump announced a temporary pause in the escort of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing ‘great progress’ toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Iran’s maritime blockade, is a key area for potential US-Iran diplomacy and a source of global energy concerns. Crude oil futures fell sharply, breaking below $100 per barrel.