US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will 'guide' ships trapped in the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz under an operation called 'Project Freedom,' which he described as a humanitarian gesture. In a social media post, Trump said his representatives were having 'very positive' discussions with Iran, though he added that any interference with the operation would be dealt with 'forcefully.'
The operation will involve guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members, according to US Central Command. However, a US official told the Wall Street Journal that the plan does not currently involve US Navy warships escorting vessels through the strait, but rather aims to coordinate traffic among shipping stakeholders.
A senior Iranian official warned that any US attempt to interfere in the strait would be seen as a breach of the ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron said the only way to reopen the waterway was through a coordinated effort by both the US and Iran, adding that France would not take part in any unclear military operation.
The announcement comes three days after Iran presented a 14-point peace plan focusing on reopening the strait, and nearly three weeks after a Pakistani-brokered ceasefire halted hostilities but failed to restore shipping. Oil prices have risen above $120 a barrel as a result of the blockade, which began after a US-Israeli attack on 28 February and was countered by a US blockade of Iranian ports in April.
Trump's upbeat post contrasted with his earlier scepticism, when he questioned whether Iran had 'paid a big enough price' for its past actions. The Israeli broadcaster Kan News quoted Trump as saying the Iranian proposal was 'unacceptable' to him. Messages between the two sides have been conveyed by Pakistan, with no direct contacts reported.
