Trump says the US will ‘guide’ stranded ships from the Strait of Hormuz : NPR

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (AP) — On Monday, the United States plans to commence an operation to “guide” stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, currently under Iranian control, according to President Donald Trump. This announcement follows reports of attacks on two ships near the strait.

Trump provided limited details on what promises to be a significant effort to assist hundreds of vessels and approximately 20,000 seafarers. Iran was quick to condemn the initiative, labeling it a breach of the ceasefire.

In a social media statement on Sunday, Trump mentioned that “neutral and innocent” nations have been impacted by the conflict with Iran. “We have informed these countries that we will safely guide their ships out of these constrained waterways, enabling them to continue their business,” he stated.

Dubbed “Project Freedom,” the operation is set to begin Monday morning in the Middle East. Trump noted that his representatives are engaging in dialogues with Iran, which could potentially result in a “very positive outcome for all.”

The U.S. Central Command revealed that the mission will include guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and 15,000 service members. However, the Pentagon has yet to clarify the deployment details.

The closure of the strait by Iran, following the U.S. and Israel’s initiation of the war on February 28, has disrupted global markets.

Many ships and seafarers, particularly those on oil and gas tankers and cargo vessels, have been trapped in the Persian Gulf since the conflict began. Crew members have recounted witnessing intercepted drones and missiles exploding above the waters as their ships run low on essential supplies. A significant number of these sailors hail from India and other South and Southeast Asian nations.

Describing them as “victims of circumstance,” Trump portrayed the mission as a humanitarian act “on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern countries, and notably, Iran.” He issued a cautionary note: “Any interference with this humanitarian process will regrettably be met with force.”

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency dismissed Trump’s announcement as “delirious,” while Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary national security commission, declared on X that any disruption in the strait would be viewed as a ceasefire breach.

Trump’s comments came shortly after Iran announced it was evaluating the U.S. response to its latest proposal to end the conflict, emphasizing that these are not nuclear discussions. The fragile three-week ceasefire appears to be holding.

Cargo ships attacked near the strait

On Sunday, a cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz reported being attacked by several small crafts, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center. Another vessel was struck by “unknown projectiles.” These incidents are among over two dozen attacks in the vicinity since the Iran war began, highlighting the dangers if the new U.S. initiative proceeds.

No injuries were reported.

These attacks were the first reported since April 22. Tehran has effectively closed the strait by threatening and attacking ships, maintaining a critical threat level in the area.

The first vessel, an unidentified cargo ship, was traveling north near Sirik, Iran, east of the strait, as reported by the British monitor. Iranian authorities claim control over the strait, asserting that vessels not linked to the U.S. or Israel can pass upon paying a toll, challenging international law’s guarantee of free navigation.

Iran has denied the attack, according to the semiofficial Iranian outlets Fars and Tabnak, stating that a passing ship was stopped for document checks as part of routine monitoring.

Iranian patrol boats, some powered only by twin outboard motors, are small, agile, and difficult to detect. Last month, Trump ordered the U.S. military to “shoot and kill” small Iranian boats deploying mines in the strait.

The second ship, a tanker, reported being hit around 11:40 p.m. on Sunday while off the coast of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

The British military monitor noted that ships near Ras al-Khaimah, the northernmost emirate in the United Arab Emirates close to the strait, received radio warnings to move from anchorages. The source of these VHF messages remains unclear.

Iran reviews US response to its latest proposal

Tehran is assessing the U.S. response to its latest proposal to conclude the conflict, as reported by Iran’s judiciary Mizan news agency quoting Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei.

Baghaei clarified, “at this stage, we have no nuclear negotiations.” Iran’s nuclear program and enriched uranium have long been central issues in its tensions with the U.S., but Tehran prefers to address it later.

Iran’s proposal seeks the resolution of other issues within 30 days and aims to end the conflict rather than prolong the ceasefire, according to Iran’s state-linked media. Trump, on Saturday, mentioned reviewing the proposal but expressed skepticism about reaching a deal.

Iran’s 14-point plan demands the U.S. lift sanctions, end the naval blockade of Iranian ports, withdraw forces from the region, and cease hostilities, including Israel’s actions in Lebanon, as reported by Nour News and Tasnim agencies, which have ties to Iran’s security organizations.

Pakistan’s leadership, including the prime minister, foreign minister, and army chief, continues to urge the U.S. and Iran to engage in direct dialogue, according to two Pakistani officials who spoke anonymously as they were not authorized to speak to the media. Pakistan hosted face-to-face talks last month and has facilitated communication between the parties.

Iran stands firm on Strait of Hormuz

Trump has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for about one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade, along with fertilizer and other petroleum-derived products.

Ali Nikzad, Iran’s deputy parliament speaker, stated on Sunday that Iran “will not back down from our position on the Strait of Hormuz, and it will not return to its prewar conditions.”

The U.S. has warned shipping companies they could face sanctions for paying Iran in any form, including digital assets, to transit the strait safely.

Since April 13, the U.S. naval blockade has deprived Tehran of vital oil revenue, impacting its struggling economy. The U.S. Central Command stated on Sunday that 49 commercial ships have been instructed to turn back.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News on Sunday, “We think that they’ve gotten less than $1.3 million in tolls, which is a pittance on their previous daily oil revenues.” He added that Iran’s oil storage is filling rapidly and “they’re going to have to start shutting in wells, which we think could be in the next week.”