Tehran: In a significant move amid ongoing regional tensions, former US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will begin guiding stranded commercial ships through the volatile Strait of Hormuz starting Monday. The initiative comes after a series of reported attacks on vessels navigating the critical maritime corridor.
Describing the effort as a humanitarian mission, Trump said the operation—referred to as “Project Freedom”—aims to assist hundreds of ships and thousands of seafarers trapped in the Persian Gulf since hostilities intensified earlier this year. Many of those onboard are believed to be from South and Southeast Asian countries, including India, and have reportedly been facing shortages of essential supplies.
According to United States Central Command, the plan will involve a substantial deployment of military assets, including guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and approximately 15,000 personnel. However, specific operational details remain unclear, with the Pentagon yet to elaborate on execution strategies.
The move follows escalating instability in the region after Iran effectively restricted access to the strait, a vital artery for global energy shipments. The disruption has rattled international markets, given that a significant share of the world’s oil and gas passes through this narrow passage.
Iran reacted sharply to the US announcement, calling it provocative and a breach of the current ceasefire understanding. Officials in Tehran warned that any external interference in the strait would be treated as a violation and could trigger a strong response. State-linked media outlets dismissed Trump’s remarks, while senior lawmakers reiterated Iran’s stance on maintaining control over the waterway.
The announcement came shortly after fresh security incidents were reported near the strait. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations confirmed that a cargo vessel near the Iranian coast was approached by multiple small boats, while another ship near the United Arab Emirates reported being struck by unidentified projectiles. No casualties were reported, but the incidents underscore the fragile security environment.
Mariners in the region have described witnessing aerial threats, including drones and missile interceptions, adding to fears among crews already stranded for weeks. Meanwhile, Iran has denied involvement in the latest incidents, claiming that some vessels were merely stopped for routine checks.
Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain uncertain. Tehran is currently reviewing Washington’s response to its latest proposal aimed at resolving the broader conflict within a month, though officials have clarified that nuclear negotiations are not part of the immediate discussions.
Despite a tenuous ceasefire holding for now, the situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz continues to be highly volatile. Analysts warn that the success or failure of the US-led escort operation could significantly influence the trajectory of the conflict and global trade stability in the weeks ahead.
