The United States launched 'Project Freedom' on Monday to assist merchant ships stranded by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This key waterway has been blocked since the start of a regional conflict, impacting global trade. President Donald Trump described Project Freedom as a humanitarian gesture. He stated that any interference with the operation would be met with forceful action. The US Central Command (Centcom) reported that approximately 15,000 US service personnel are involved. This includes guided-missile destroyers and over 100 aircraft. The US blockade of Iranian ports will continue alongside this effort.
Iran's military claimed on Monday to have prevented American and Israeli destroyers from entering the strait. This statement followed Iran's warning against foreign forces entering the waterway. The region is currently observing a temporary ceasefire that began on April 8. Both nations are engaged in discussions to agree on a permanent peace plan. However, a senior Iranian official cautioned that US interference in the strait would violate this ceasefire. Iran's closure of the strait significantly disrupts oil exports from the Persian Gulf region. This has led to a global increase in fuel prices. It has also left an estimated 2,000 ships and some 20,000 sailors stranded.
About 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump mentioned that many countries requested US assistance. He characterized the stranded ships as neutral and innocent bystanders. The operation is being conducted on behalf of the US, Iran, and other Middle Eastern nations. Details on the operation's management were not provided. Trump also noted positive discussions with Iran that could lead to beneficial outcomes for all parties. Growing concerns exist regarding dwindling supplies and the welfare of trapped sailors.
The United Kingdom Maritime Transportation Operation (UKMTO) reported a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile. The incident occurred in the strait on Sunday. The crew of the tanker remained safe. In a separate development, Pakistan announced it would hand over 22 crew members of the Iranian container ship Touska to Iranian authorities. The US had seized the Touska last month. Iranian media confirmed the arrival of 15 of these crew members in Iran. Pakistan stated the crew repatriation was a confidence-building measure by the US. Trump's announcement followed reports of Iran receiving a US response to its peace proposal. This response, delivered via Pakistan, was reportedly under review by Iran. The US has not officially confirmed its reply.
Trump reportedly conveyed to Israel's Kan News that the Iranian proposal was unacceptable. Iranian state media indicated Tehran's 14-point peace plan called for US troop withdrawal from near Iran's borders. It also demanded an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and cessation of all hostilities. The plan aimed for an agreement within 30 days. Iran clarified that nuclear negotiations were not part of these discussions. Washington has expressed concerns over Iran's nuclear program. Trump previously stated the US received the latest Iranian peace proposal. He indicated it would be reviewed but expressed skepticism about its acceptability. He suggested Iran had not sufficiently compensated for its past actions. Discussions on potential military strikes against Iran remain a possibility if behavior changes negatively. The US does not intend to withdraw from the region entirely.