US President Donald Trump has said the United States will begin escorting stranded vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz from Monday, announcing a military‑backed operation dubbed “Project Freedom.”
Trump described the effort as a “humanitarian gesture” for Iran, the Middle East and the wider world, pledging safe passage for ships trapped in restricted waters since the war began in February, BBC reports.
He warned that any interference “will have to be dealt with forcefully.”
US Central Command said 15,000 personnel, guided‑missile destroyers and more than 100 aircraft would take part.
An estimated 20,000 sailors remain stuck in the Gulf, with growing concern over dwindling supplies and health risks. The strait carries about 20 percent of global oil and LNG shipments, and the conflict has driven energy prices sharply higher.
Trump said US representatives were holding “very positive” talks with Iran that “could lead to something very positive for all,” though he gave no details on coordination with Tehran.
Iranian state media confirmed receiving a US response to its latest 14‑point peace plan via Pakistan, but said the proposal was still under review. The plan calls for Washington to withdraw forces near Iran’s borders, lift the naval blockade, and end hostilities including Israel’s offensive in Lebanon.
Trump, however, told Israel’s Kan News the proposal was “unacceptable,” and on Truth Social wrote he “can’t imagine” agreeing until Iran “pays a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years.”
Iran’s foreign ministry reiterated that nuclear talks are not on the table, insisting its uranium enrichment program is peaceful. Tehran has denied seeking a bomb, though it remains the only non‑nuclear‑armed state to enrich uranium near weapons‑grade levels.
The announcement came hours after the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a tanker hit by an “unknown projectile” in the strait, though its crew was unharmed.
