Trump Vows US Escort for Trapped Ships in Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump announced 'Project Freedom,' a U.S. military operation to escort cargo ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran's blockade. The initiative, set to begin Monday morning Middle East time, is framed as a humanitarian effort to assist neutral countries affected by the conflict. Iran has denied recent attack allegations and maintains its stance on controlling the strategic waterway.
- ▪Iran has effectively blocked shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening attacks and charging tolls to non-U.S. and non-Israeli vessels.
- ▪A cargo ship was attacked by multiple small craft near the strait, marking the first reported incident since April 22.
- ▪Trump announced the escort mission via Truth Social, calling it a humanitarian gesture for neutral countries with no involvement in the Middle East conflict.
- ▪The U.S. military has been ordered to use force against Iranian boats deploying mines in the strait.
- ▪Iran's deputy parliament speaker stated the country 'will not back down' from its control over the strategic waterway.
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By Adeola AdeosunWeekend Night EditorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.President Donald Trump is pushing forward with a plan codenamed "Project Freedom" to use the U.S. military to escort cargo ships out of the Strait of Hormuz where Iran has effectively closed shipping traffic and trapped vessels by threatening attacks.Trump announced the initiative, set to take place Monday morning Middle East time, via Truth Social amid the ongoing Iran war. The Trump administration is also weighing Iran's latest 14-point proposal to end hostilities even as the deputy parliament speaker said Iran "will not back down" from its grip on the strategic waterway.
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