Strait of Hormuz shipping: Trump says US will start Project Freedom to guide stranded vessels

President Donald Trump said the United States will start guiding ships out of the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Trump offered few operational details about the plan. The move followed weeks of disruption linked to the Iran war. Many vessels have remained stuck in the Persian Gulf. About 20,000 seafarers have been affected.

Representative image

In a Sunday social media post, Trump said other nations were caught up in the conflict. "neutral and innocent countries have been affected by the Iran war, and we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business.\"

Strait of Hormuz shipping and Project Freedom plan

Trump said \"Project Freedom\" would start on Monday morning in the Middle East. Trump added that representatives were in talks with Iran. Trump said the discussions \"could lead to something very positive for all.\" Trump also called the effort a humanitarian step involving the United States and regional countries.

Trump wrote that many sailors were \"victims of circumstance,\" and linked the effort to Iran. Trump also issued a warning about interference. \"If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.\" Some Iranian outlets shared the statement and called it a claim.

Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz began after the US and Israel launched the war on Feb 28. The disruption has unsettled global markets. Oil and gas tankers, plus cargo ships, have stayed in the Persian Gulf. Crew members told The Associated Press they saw drones and missiles explode overhead.

Seafarers also described dwindling supplies of drinking water, food, and other basics. Many crew members come from India and other parts of south and southeast Asia. Ships have faced threats and delays across the area. The ceasefire has lasted about three weeks and appears to be holding.

Strait of Hormuz shipping attacks and UKMTO reports

Earlier Sunday, a cargo ship near the strait reported an attack by multiple small craft. The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre relayed the report. The northbound ship was not identified. The incident happened off Sirik, Iran, east of the strait. UKMTO said all crew were safe.

The British monitor said it was the first reported attack in the area since April 22. It also said there have been at least two dozen attacks in and around the strait since the war began. UKMTO added that ships near Ras al-Khaimah received radio warnings to leave anchorages. It was unclear who sent the VHF messages.

Iran denied an attack, according to semiofficial outlets Fars and Tabnak. The reports said a passing ship was stopped for a documents check as part of monitoring. Iranian officials have said Iran controls the strait. They have claimed non-US and non-Israel linked ships can pass if they pay a toll.

Such demands challenge freedom of navigation under international law. Tehran has used attacks and threats to restrict movement, and the threat level remains critical. Iranian patrol boats can be small and difficult to detect. Some use twin outboard motors and can move quickly. Trump last month ordered action against small Iranian boats laying mines.

Strait of Hormuz shipping talks and Iran proposal details

Iran said it was reviewing the US response to Iran’s latest proposal to end the war. Iran’s judiciary Mizan news agency cited Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei. \"But at this stage, we have no nuclear negotiations,\" Baghaei said. Iran’s nuclear programme and enriched uranium remain a key dispute with the US.

State-linked media said Iran wants other issues settled within 30 days. The proposal aims to end the war, not extend the ceasefire. Trump said on Saturday that Trump was reviewing the proposal. Trump also expressed doubt that it would produce a deal. Iranian outlets described a 14-point plan with several demands.

Nour News and Tasnim said the proposal includes lifting US sanctions on Iran. It also seeks an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. It calls for US forces to leave the region and stop hostilities. It also includes ending Israel’s operations in Lebanon, the reports said.

Two Pakistani officials said Pakistan is urging direct talks between the US and Iran. The officials spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to speak publicly. They said Pakistan’s prime minister, foreign minister, and army chief continued to press for dialogue. Pakistan has acted as a mediator, according to the officials.

Strait of Hormuz shipping tolls, sanctions and oil impact

Iran’s deputy parliament speaker Ali Nikzad said Iran would not change course. \"Tehran will not back down from our position on the Strait of Hormuz, and it will not return to its prewar conditions,\" Nikzad said Sunday. The strait usually carries about a fifth of global oil and natural gas trade.

Fertiliser shipments also move through the waterway, and farmers worldwide rely on them. The US has warned shipping companies about sanctions if they pay Iran. The warning covers any form of payment, including digital assets. The US naval blockade has been in place since April 13, cutting Iran’s oil income.

US Central Command said on Sunday that 49 commercial ships were told to turn back. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke about toll revenue on Fox News. \"We think that theyve gotten less than USD 1.3 million in tolls, which is a pittance on their previous daily oil revenues,\" Bessent said.

Bessent also said Iran’s oil storage is filling quickly. Bessent said Iran may need to shut wells soon. Bessent suggested this could happen within the next week. Trump’s planned ship guidance effort is set against these economic and security pressures, while ships and crews remain exposed in the region.

With inputs from PTI