President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will begin escorting certain ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz out of the strategic waterway. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that American forces would guide vessels belonging to countries "that have absolutely nothing to do with the war" out of the strait, without specifying which nations he meant. He described the operation, dubbed 'Project Freedom,' as being "for the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States."
Iran Proposes 14-Point Plan to End War
Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly put forward a new 14-point proposal calling for a resolution of issues with the US within 30 days and an end to the war rather than an extended ceasefire. According to the semi-official Nour News agency, the plan demands the lifting of US sanctions, an end to the naval blockade, withdrawal of US forces from the region, and cessation of all hostilities, including Israeli operations in Lebanon. Trump acknowledged movement in the negotiations, stating there have been discussions that "could lead to something positive."
US Military Assets Deployed for Hormuz Operation
The US strategy to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz will involve guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and approximately 15,000 service personnel, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, of which the US reportedly had 12 stationed in the Middle East as of late April, will form the backbone of the fleet. However, experts do not anticipate these destroyers directly escorting merchant convoys. Armed helicopters and A-10 attack jets could provide aerial cover, while drones—both aerial and marine—may accompany ships or remain on standby to respond to threats.
The 15,000 service members are largely in support roles, with at least two US aircraft carriers in the region providing air assets. Each carrier hosts roughly 5,000 personnel.
Iran Warns Against US Interference
Iran's state-run IRNA news agency dismissed Trump's announcement as part of his "delirium," while Ebrahim Azizi, head of the national security commission of Iran's parliament, warned on X that any US interference in the strait would be treated as a ceasefire violation. Iran's armed forces command issued a stark warning to the US Navy to stay out of the Strait of Hormuz.
Recent Developments in the Strait
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a bulk carrier was attacked 11 nautical miles west of Sirik, Iran, by multiple small craft. While the crew is safe and no damage reported, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may have seized the ship. In another incident, a tanker 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah in the UAE was hit by IRGC projectiles. Additionally, ships near Ras Al Khaimah received orders via VHF radio to leave anchorage, and cargo ships and tankers began exiting the area after IRGC warnings.
The US Central Command reported that 49 commercial vessels have been redirected to comply with the US blockade. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper visited the USS Milius, a guided-missile destroyer patrolling regional waters in support of the blockade.
Iran Executes Three Men from January Uprising
State-affiliated Fars news agency confirmed that Iran executed three men involved in the January 2026 uprising. Mehdi Rasouli, Mohammad Reza Miri, and Ebrahim Dolatabadi were hanged after being found guilty of charges including "waging war against God" and espionage. Dolatabadi was accused of leading armed rioters, while Rasouli and Miri were allegedly Mossad agents. Iranian lawyer Marzie Mohebi reported that families were misled into believing the cases were under review by a pardon commission.
Impact on Global Shipping and Oil
The ongoing standoff has disrupted global shipping, with Kuwait reportedly exporting zero barrels of crude oil in April for the first time since the Gulf War, according to TankerTrackers.com. Brent crude hit its highest price since 2022. The US has spent nearly $25 billion on the Iran war, according to new estimates.
In response to the crisis, the UK government has introduced temporary rule changes allowing airlines to consolidate passengers onto fewer flights to save jet fuel, amid warnings of shortages ahead of the summer holiday season. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander assured that summer holidays will not be disrupted.
