US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that discussions with Iran were “very positive” and could lead to a breakthrough, even as Washington prepared to escort vessels through the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said on his Truth Social platform that his representatives were engaged in constructive talks with Iran and that the outcome could benefit all sides, reports AFP.
Earlier, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told state television that Tehran had submitted a 14-point plan focused on ending the war. He said Washington had responded through a message delivered via Pakistani mediators.
The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, killing the country’s supreme leader. Tehran retaliated with strikes on US military bases and Israeli targets in the region.
A ceasefire took effect on 8 April. Since then, the two sides have held one round of direct talks in Islamabad but remain deadlocked.
Iran has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began, disrupting major flows of oil, gas and fertiliser to global markets. In response, the United States imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports.
Trump said several countries had requested US assistance to navigate through the strategic waterway and exit the Gulf.
“For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business,” he said.
He added that the operation, named Project Freedom, would begin Monday morning Middle East time. He described it as a humanitarian effort, noting that many stranded vessels were running low on food and essential supplies for their crews.
Trump did not provide details on how the mission would be conducted. However, such an operation could place US forces in close proximity to Iranian military units.
In a post on X, United States Central Command said it would support the mission with guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, multi-domain unmanned systems and around 15,000 personnel.
