WASHINGTON DC: US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will begin guiding stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday.
In a social media post, Trump said the move is intended to ensure safe passage for vessels stuck in the restricted waterway, describing it as beneficial for Iran, the Middle East, and the US. While he did not specify the countries involved, he warned that any disruption to the effort—dubbed “Project Freedom”—would be met with a strong response.
Maritime traffic through the strait has been heavily restricted by Iran since the conflict began in February, while the US has also imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Trump noted that ongoing discussions between US and Iranian representatives were “very positive” and could lead to constructive outcomes.
He described the operation as a humanitarian initiative aimed at allowing ships, companies, and countries unaffected by the conflict to resume normal activities, though details of coordination with Tehran remain unclear. Trump added that vessels would not return to the area until navigation is deemed safe.
According to United States Central Command, the mission will involve around 15,000 personnel, guided-missile destroyers, and over 100 aircraft. An estimated 20,000 sailors have been stranded in the Gulf since the conflict began, raising concerns over dwindling supplies and their wellbeing.
The strait is a critical global shipping route, carrying around 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, and the ongoing tensions have pushed up global energy prices. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that a tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile in the area on Sunday, though all crew members were reported safe.
Comment