Trump says pausing 'Project Freedom' Hormuz operation in push for Iran deal

Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.

Washington is maintaining a blockade of Iran's ports in a bid to pressure Iran to make a deal to end the war that the US and Israel launched on February 28. Trump, on April 8, declared a ceasefire with Iran that he has since extended, even though negotiations with Tehran have been at a standstill.