Strait of Hormuz escorts to begin Monday as Trump says US Navy will guide foreign ships

US President Donald Trump said the US Navy will begin guiding foreign ships to safety through the Strait of Hormuz from Monday. Trump also warned Iran against any disruption. Trump said any interference with the effort would be met with force. The plan was presented as help for vessels stuck in the narrow waterway.

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In a Truth Social post, Trump said Project Freedom targeted foreign ships trapped as "innocent bystanders\". Trump said these vessels were not involved in developments in West Asia. Trump said several ships were running low on food and drinking water. Trump also cited other supplies needed for crews.

Project Freedom and Strait of Hormuz shipping

Trump described the stranded ships as victims of circumstance. \"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.\"

\"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 a warning for Iran. \"If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully, Trump said.\"

The mission, directed by the President, will support merchant vessels seeking free passage. US Central Command described the strait as an essential trade corridor. CENTCOM said about a quarter of the world’s sea-borne oil trade passes there. It also carries large volumes of fuel and fertiliser products.

\"Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade, said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander.\" CENTCOM said US support will include guided-missile destroyers. It also listed over 100 aircraft, unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members.

Strait of Hormuz war impact and oil trade

The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran. It moves about one-fifth of global oil supplies. The sea route has been effectively closed since February 28. That date marked the start of the US and Israel war with Iran. The US also imposed an economic blockade targeting Iran.

The US blockade denied ships transit to and from Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf. Trump also said US representatives were holding positive discussions with Iran. Trump said the talks could lead to \"something positive for all\". Separately, Axios reported a new amended US draft was sent Sunday.

Axios said the draft aimed to end the war. It was reported as a response to Iran’s latest proposal. US special envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN that the US was in conversation with Iran. The stated aim was to end the war. These contacts came as the shipping corridor remained disrupted.

Strait of Hormuz pressure on oil prices and fuel

Global oil markets have been unsettled since the war began. Crude prices stayed high and briefly touched USD 126 per barrel last week. Trump also faced pressure from higher US petrol costs. Gas prices rose to USD 4.45 per gallon. That was nearly 50 per cent higher since February 28.

On Sunday evening, Brent crude fell by less than 1 per cent. It traded at about USD 107 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate also dipped less than 1 per cent. It traded at roughly USD 101 a barrel. The price moves followed days of sharp volatility linked to the conflict.

Project Freedom is set to start on Monday with US naval support in the strait. Officials linked the effort to safe commercial passage and broader security. Trump paired the plan with a warning to Iran, while US officials reported ongoing talks. Markets continued to watch oil and fuel prices closely.

With inputs from PTI