US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States is engaged in what he described as “very positive discussions” with Iran, while unveiling a new maritime operation aimed at escorting commercial vessels through the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump said US forces would begin a mission dubbed “Project Freedom” from Monday, describing it as a humanitarian effort to assist ships and crews stranded amid the ongoing blockade and potential shortages of essential supplies.
“We will use best efforts to get their ships and crews safely out of the Strait,” he said, adding that vessels would not return until the area is considered safe for navigation.
Oil markets reacted quickly to the announcement, with Brent crude futures dropping by more than US$1 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate also declined following the news.
The proposed operation, however, has drawn strong reactions from Iran. Senior Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi warned that any US involvement in the Strait of Hormuz would be viewed as a violation of the ceasefire agreement, adding further tension to an already fragile situation.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran had submitted a 14-point peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict, and that Washington had responded through intermediaries in Pakistan.
Trump, meanwhile, said multiple countries had requested US assistance in ensuring safe passage through the strategic waterway, describing the initiative as necessary for global trade and regional stability.
However, details of the mission remain limited. US Central Command said the operation would involve guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, unmanned platforms, and around 15,000 military personnel.
Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, said the effort was essential for both regional security and the global economy, though analysts have warned the mission could place US forces in close proximity to Iranian military units.
Maritime data showed that over 900 commercial vessels remain in the Gulf, down from more than 1,100 at the start of the conflict, highlighting the scale of disruption in the key shipping route.
Tensions remain high following months of escalation, including earlier military strikes and retaliatory attacks between Iran, the United States, and Israel. A ceasefire was declared in early April, but diplomatic negotiations have since stalled.
Iranian officials have warned of strong retaliation if US forces interfere with maritime operations, while European governments have urged immediate reopening of the strait to prevent further disruption to global trade and energy supplies.
