The United States has initiated a mission to guide stranded commercial vessels from the Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz, aiming to counter economic disruptions that have persisted beyond the peak of recent hostilities. The effort, dubbed "Project Freedom" by US President Donald Trump, began with the Joint Maritime Information Center announcing an enhanced security area south of typical shipping routes on Monday. Mariners were urged to coordinate with Omani authorities due to anticipated high traffic volumes, as the strait lies between Iranian and Omani territory.
Mine Hazards and Traffic Separation
The center warned that approaching the usual traffic separation scheme should be considered extremely hazardous due to the presence of unmitigated mines. The US-led maritime task force's announcement marks the start of efforts to revive traffic and restore confidence among commercial vessels transiting the strait, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil typically passes. The disruption has become one of the most enduring consequences of the war launched by the US and Israel on February 28, squeezing countries in Europe and Asia that depend on Persian Gulf supplies and adding volatility to energy prices globally.
Trump's Announcement and Military Deployment
In a social media post on Sunday, Trump promised "neutral and innocent" countries that the US would guide their ships safely out of restricted waterways. US Central Command stated the initiative would involve guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and 15,000 service members, though the Pentagon did not immediately clarify deployment details. Many ships and seafarers, including oil and gas tankers and cargo vessels, have been stuck in the Persian Gulf since the war began. Crew members have reported seeing intercepted drones and missiles explode over the waters while their vessels run low on drinking water, food, and other supplies.
Trump described the effort as a humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern countries, and particularly Iran. He warned that any interference with this humanitarian process would be dealt with forcefully.
Iran's Response and Ceasefire Status
As more ships reported coming under attack on Sunday, Iran's state-run IRNA news agency called Trump's announcement part of his "delirium." Ebrahim Azizi, head of the national security commission of Iran's parliament, stated on X that any interference in the strait would be seen as a ceasefire violation. Trump's announcement came hours after Iran said it was reviewing the US response to its latest proposal to end the war, making clear that these are not nuclear negotiations. The fragile three-week ceasefire appears to be holding.
Iran Reviews US Response
Tehran is reviewing the US response to its latest proposal to end the war, according to Iran's judiciary Mizan news agency, citing Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei on Sunday. However, Baghaei stated, "At this stage, we have no nuclear negotiations." Iran's nuclear program and enriched uranium have long been central to tensions with the US, but Tehran prefers to address it later. Iran's proposal aims to resolve other issues within 30 days and end the war rather than extend the ceasefire, according to state-linked media. Trump expressed doubt on Saturday that the proposal would lead to a deal.
Iran's 14-point proposal calls for the US to lift sanctions on Iran, end the naval blockade of Iranian ports, withdraw forces from the region, and cease all hostilities, including Israel's operations in Lebanon, according to semiofficial Nour News and Tasnim agencies.
Iran Stands Firm on Strait of Hormuz
Iranian officials have vowed that the strait will not return to its prewar conditions and have moved to impose charges on transiting ships. The US has warned shipping companies that they could face sanctions for paying Iran in any form. The US naval blockade since April 13 is depriving Tehran of oil revenue needed to shore up its ailing economy. US Central Command reported on Sunday that 49 commercial ships have been told to turn back. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News that Iran has collected less than $1.3 million in tolls, a pittance compared to previous daily oil revenues, and that Iran's oil storage is rapidly filling up, potentially forcing them to shut in wells within the next week.
