Traci Mumford

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From The New York Times, it's The Headlines.

I'm Traci Mumford.

Today's Wednesday, May 6th.

Here's what we're covering.

President Trump pulled a sudden U-turn on the war with Iran yesterday, contradicting himself and his administration.

The day started with Secretary of State Marco Rubio taking questions about the conflict.

Rubio told reporters that the United States had ended combat operations against Iran and was now fully focused on the new mission of Project Freedom, escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the closure of which has been wreaking economic havoc on countries around the world.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also talked up the new effort.

Trump, though, then pivoted.

He said he was putting Project Freedom on hold, one day into it and after just a few ships made it through.

In a social media post, Trump said he was pausing it because there had been, quote, great progress toward a long-term peace deal with Iran.

He said Pakistan, which has been trying to mediate those peace talks, had asked for the pause, along with other countries.

At the moment, both Iran and the U.S.

claim to have control of the strait, and traffic remains at a standstill.

Analysts say the Iranian government believes it has the upper hand, and that it can withstand economic pressure, as it's done in the past, longer than Trump can tolerate the rising energy prices.

Now, three quick updates on the political front.

First in Iowa.