President Donald Trump announced that the United States will begin guiding stranded commercial vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday, in what he described as a humanitarian effort amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
In a social media post, Trump said the initiative, dubbed “Project Freedom”, aims to assist “neutral and innocent” countries whose ships have been stuck in the vital waterway due to the conflict.
“We will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways,” he said, noting that discussions with Iran are ongoing and could lead to a “very positive” outcome.
The United States Central Command said the operation will involve guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, and about 15,000 personnel, although the Pentagon has yet to provide details on deployment.
Iran swiftly criticized the plan, with the Islamic Republic News Agency calling the announcement “delirium.”
Head of the national security commission of Iran’s parliament Ebrahim Azizi also warned that any foreign intervention in the strait would be considered a ceasefire violation.
The strait, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, has effectively been closed since the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel escalated in late February, leaving hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers stranded.
Despite a fragile ceasefire, maritime security risks remain high, with recent reports of attacks on ships underscoring the volatility in the area.
