Strait of Hormuz: US Navy to Guide Stranded Foreign Ships, Trump Warns Iran

US President Donald Trump said the US Navy will begin guiding foreign ships to safety in the Strait of Hormuz from Monday. Trump also warned Iran against blocking the effort. Trump said any attempt to disrupt the operation would face a forceful response. The statement came as shipping and energy markets remained tense due to the war.

Representative image

Trump wrote on Truth Social that the plan was called Project Freedom. Trump said it was designed for foreign ships stuck in the Strait. Trump said these vessels were "innocent bystanders\" and not part of wider West Asia developments. Trump also said some crews were short of food and drinking water.

Strait of Hormuz Project Freedom and the US Navy plan

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea route between Oman and Iran. It carries about one-fifth of global oil supplies. It has been effectively closed since February 28. That was when the US and Israel launched the war with Iran. Trump’s plan focused on getting stranded ships out safely.

Trump described the mission as a humanitarian step for those stuck at sea. \"The Ships movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong - They are victims of circumstance. This is a Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran, Trump said.\"

Trump said the US had already informed countries about the escort plan. \"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, he said.\" Trump added that the goal was safe passage rather than any broader military aim.

Strait of Hormuz Project Freedom warning to Iran

Trump also issued a direct warning about interference with the escorts. \"If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully, Trump said.\" The warning came as the region stayed on alert. Shipping firms have reported delays and uncertainty.

Alongside the escort plan, Trump said discussions with Iran were moving in a good direction. Trump said US representatives were holding positive talks. Trump said the contact could lead to \"something positive for all\". US special envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN that the US was in conversation with Iran to end the war.

Strait of Hormuz Project Freedom and war talks

Axios reported that the US sent another amended draft on Sunday. The reported draft responded to the latest Iranian proposal. The aim was an agreement to end the war. The Strait’s closure has added strain to diplomacy and trade. Both sides have faced rising economic and political pressure.

The US has also imposed an economic blockade targeted at Iran. The measure has denied ships the ability to travel to and from Iranian ports. These ports are in the Persian gulf nation. The restrictions added to the shipping freeze in the Strait. Many foreign vessels have remained trapped due to these conditions.

Strait of Hormuz Project Freedom and oil price volatility

Oil markets have swung sharply since the war began on February 28. Crude prices stayed elevated and briefly reached USD 126 per barrel last week. Trump has faced domestic pressure over fuel costs. US gas prices rose to USD 4.45 per gallon. That marked an increase of nearly 50 per cent.

Prices eased slightly on Sunday evening, though they stayed high. Brent crude slipped by less than 1 per cent to about USD 107 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate also fell by under 1 per cent. It traded at roughly USD 101 a barrel. The shipping escorts now sit alongside talks as key moving parts.

With inputs from PTI