Iran live update: Trump says 'Project Freedom' in Strait of Hormuz paused

The State Department on Wednesday announced plans for the phased closure of the U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar, Pakistan, saying it will shift diplomatic operations to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.

"This decision reflects our commitment to the safety of our diplomatic personnel and efficient resource management," the State Department said.

The department previously notified Congress about its intention to close the consulate, reporting it would save the government $7.5 million annually, according to officials.

The U.S. Consulate in Karachi -- Pakistan's most populous city, on the country's southern coast -- was attacked by protesters in March following the start of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Marine Security Guards opened fire on protesters attempting to storm the facility, killing several people.

-ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that "Project Freedom" -- the U.S. operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz -- will be paused "for a short period of time" to see if an agreement can be reached with Iran.

"Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed," Trump said in a post on social media.

The pause comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in the White House briefing room just hours earlier that Project Freedom, which began Monday, was the next phase of the war.

Trump first announced Project Freedom on Sunday in a post, promising the Navy would "guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways."

The administration has said that two vessels have been helped through the strait by Project Freedom.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters at the White House that Operation Epic Fury is now over, saying the U.S. is now involved in a "defensive" operation as it seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"If they pose a threat to our forces, we'll shoot down drones, we'll shoot down missiles. But it's defensive in nature," Rubio said.

"There's no shooting unless we're shot at first. We're not attacking them. We're not. But if they are attacking us ... you need to respond to that," Rubio said.

As the administration continues its efforts to ramp up international support for opening the Strait of Hormuz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. would put a new draft resolution before the United Nations Security Council to “defend freedom of navigation” in the waterway.

"The draft resolution requires Iran to cease attacks, mining, and tolling,” Rubio said in a statement. "It demands that Iran disclose the number and location of the sea mines it has laid and cooperate with efforts to remove them, while also supporting the establishment of a humanitarian corridor.”

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar co-authored the draft resolution, which is expected to be put to a vote “in the coming days," according to the announcement.

Last month, the U.S. put forward a similar resolution at the UNSC—but it was vetoed by China and Russia.

It’s unclear whether this resolution can gain the necessary support, but earlier this week U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz described it as a “narrower effort” designed to win support from Asian countries and expressed hope that, if adopted, the resolution would embolden countries to step up efforts to protect the waterway.

-ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston