US President Donald Trump has announced American forces will help “guide” some stranded ships safely through the Strait of Hormuz, following a fresh attack on a cargo vessel near the critical waterway.
In a social media post, Trump said multiple countries had asked for assistance for ships “locked up in the Strait of Hormuz” despite being “merely neutral and innocent bystanders.”
“For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, 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.
He added the US would use “best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait”, noting the vessels “will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else.”
The operation, dubbed “Project Freedom”, is set to begin on “Monday morning, Middle East time.”
Details of the plan remain unclear, including whether US naval forces will physically escort ships.
The announcement came as Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal to end the war, saying: “It’s not acceptable to me. I’ve studied it, I’ve studied everything. It’s not acceptable.”
The conflict remains at a stalemate, with Iran reviewing a US response to its 14-point peace plan and warning of further action.
Meanwhile, oil prices have surged amid fears of prolonged disruption, and tensions in the region continue to escalate following attacks on vessels near the strait.
Source: News.com.au.
