Washington: United States President Donald John Trump said on Tuesday he would briefly pause an operation, labelled as "Project Freedom", to help escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after a request from Pakistan and other countries, while citing "great progress" toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran.

Hours earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had outlined the effort that began on Monday to escort stranded tankers out of the Gulf. The strait has been virtually shut since the conflict began, blocking some 20% of world oil supplies and igniting a global energy crisis.

"We have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom ... will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalised and signed," Trump wrote on social media.