Trump says US will ‘help free up’ ships stuck in Hormuz Strait
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- US President Donald Trump says “Project Freedom” will begin Monday to help “free up” ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran and US officials remain divided, with warnings that the move could escalate tensions despite ongoing diplomatic contacts.
US President Donald Trump has said the United States will begin “helping free up” vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday, in what he described as a “humanitarian gesture” aimed at reopening a strategic global shipping route.
Trump said the initiative, dubbed “Project Freedom,” is being launched at the request of unnamed countries he described as “neutral” to the conflict, whose ships are currently stranded in the narrow waterway.
He said US forces would guide vessels safely out of restricted waters, insisting the operation is intended to restore commercial movement and prevent further disruption to global trade.
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“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,” Trump said, warning that any interference would be met “forcefully.”
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global energy shipments, has become a central flashpoint in the wider confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Iranian restrictions and countermeasures have already contributed to sharp fluctuations in global oil prices.
Trump argued that many crews are facing deteriorating conditions on stranded vessels, citing shortages of food and essential supplies.
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However, it remains unclear how the operation will be implemented or whether it will involve coordination with Iran. US military officials have previously expressed concern that escort missions in the strait could expose forces to fire from Iranian territory.
Despite the escalation in rhetoric, Trump suggested that diplomatic channels remain open, pointing to what he described as “positive discussions” with Iranian representatives.
He also rejected Tehran’s latest 14-point proposal for ending the conflict, telling Israel’s public broadcaster that it was “not acceptable,” while claiming Iran had not yet “paid a big enough price.”
Iranian officials said they are reviewing Washington’s response and continue to insist that any broader negotiations must include an end to maritime restrictions and the lifting of blockades.
Experts have raised concerns that the planned US escort operation could further destabilize the situation. Negar Mortazavi of the Center for International Policy said Iran is unlikely to view the initiative as humanitarian.
She warned that any escort mission would bring US forces closer to Iranian positions, increasing the risk of confrontation and raising questions over whether the move is a negotiating tactic or a prelude to escalation.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained under pressure despite a fragile ceasefire that has held for weeks. The competing restrictions imposed by both sides have already contributed to higher global energy costs and growing political tension in Washington.
While Trump has framed “Project Freedom” as a temporary measure to restore maritime flow, its launch is expected to test the already fragile balance in one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors.
