Trump Unveils 'Project Freedom' for Hormuz Amidst Iranian Threats
Tehran warns of force as US plans to escort vessels through critical chokepoint; peace talks continue in shadow of military build-up.
Carla Rooney
Donald Trump announced "Project Freedom," an initiative designed to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that immediately drew a stark warning from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Major General Ali Abdollahi declared any foreign armed force, specifically the US military, intending to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz, would face targeting and attack.
Abdollahi further asserted Iran holds responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz's security, requiring coordination with its armed forces for safe passage.
Beyond the legal debate, the United States begins assisting ships stranded by the US-Israeli conflict on Iran starting Monday.
This humanitarian gesture, Trump stated, could reopen the strait.
Countries worldwide asked Washington to help free vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump confirmed.
Any interference with this humanitarian process would be met with forceful action.
The Strait of Hormuz typically facilitates the transit of approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Hundreds of ships and as many as 20,000 seafarers have been unable to transit the strait during the ongoing conflict.
On the ground, the Joint Maritime Information Center announced an 'enhanced security area' positioned south of typical shipping routes.
For the operation, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) deploys 15,000 troops, over 100 aircraft, and guided-missile destroyers.
The navy will not necessarily escort ships directly through the strait, a point Barak Ravid also made.
This strategic shift follows senior Iranian lawmaker Ibrahim Azizi's statement that US involvement in managing shipping through the strait constitutes a ceasefire violation.
Azizi reiterated any American interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a breach of the ceasefire.
The Strait and the Persian Gulf would not be managed by Trump's 'delusional posts,' as Iranian officials maintain the strait will not revert to its prewar conditions.
Amidst these military postures, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported a British vessel was attacked in the strait; all crew were confirmed safe.
Trump stated US representatives engaged in 'very positive' discussions with Iran, which 'could lead to something very positive for all.'
He confirmed Washington received the latest Iranian peace proposal, a 14-point plan.
Iranian state-linked media reported Tehran received a US response to this proposal, which urged both sides to focus on 'ending the war' rather than merely extending a current ceasefire, aiming to resolve other issues within 30 days.
The Iranian proposal also asked Washington to withdraw its forces from near Iran's borders, end its naval blockade of Iranian ports, and cease all hostilities, including Israel's offensive in Lebanon.
Two sources briefed on the proposal stated the deal would also see the end of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.
Trump told Israel's Kan News that the Iranian proposal was unacceptable to him.
Esmaeil Baghaei, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, stated, 'At this stage, we do not have nuclear negotiations.'
Trump warned that if Iran 'misbehaved,' further strikes remained a 'possibility.'
Admiral Brad Cooper stated, 'Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade.'