US to Guide Trapped Ships Safely Through Hormuz Strait: Trump

Donald Trump announced that the US will begin guiding stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday. He said the move aims to ensure safe navigation for vessels stuck in the restricted route. Trump emphasized that this initiative serves the interests of multiple regions, including Iran, the Middle East, and the US. He also introduced the operation under the name “Project Freedom.” He warned that any obstruction to this mission would face a strong response. He did not clearly identify which countries would receive direct assistance.

Iran has sharply restricted maritime traffic in the Strait since the conflict began in February. At the same time, the US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, escalating tensions further. Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi warned that any US involvement would violate the ceasefire agreement. Despite this, Trump stated that ongoing discussions between US and Iranian officials remain positive. He suggested that these talks could lead to beneficial outcomes for all sides. However, he did not provide details about how cooperation between the two nations would work.

Trump described the mission as a humanitarian effort aimed at helping innocent sailors, companies, and nations affected by the conflict. He clarified that the operation focuses on freeing ships and ensuring safe passage rather than escalating tensions. According to him, many vessels will not return until the region becomes fully secure for navigation. The goal is to stabilize maritime movement and reduce disruption in global trade. He reinforced that the US intends to protect those who have no involvement in the conflict. The plan highlights safety and recovery as primary objectives.

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US to guide ships in Hormuz

The US Central Command confirmed that around 15,000 personnel, along with naval destroyers and over 100 aircraft, will support “Project Freedom.” Reports estimate that nearly 20,000 sailors remain stranded in the Gulf due to the ongoing conflict. Many of them face shortages of essential supplies and increasing physical and mental stress. The situation has raised global concerns about humanitarian conditions at sea. Authorities aim to act quickly to prevent further deterioration. The operation will play a crucial role in addressing these challenges.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical global shipping routes, handling nearly 20% of the world’s oil and LNG supply. The ongoing conflict has already driven global energy prices higher. Recently, a tanker in the region suffered damage from an unidentified projectile, although all crew members remained safe. The waterway connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea and supports major energy exports. Its stability directly impacts global markets and trade. Any disruption in this region creates widespread economic consequences.

Meanwhile, Iran continues to review a US response to its latest peace proposal delivered through diplomatic channels. The proposal includes demands such as removing US forces near Iranian borders and ending the naval blockade. It also calls for a complete halt to hostilities, including regional conflicts involving allies. Iran seeks a formal agreement within 30 days to end the war. However, Trump has expressed doubts about accepting the proposal in its current form. He has also indicated that military action remains a possibility if tensions escalate again.

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