President Trump announced on Sunday that starting from Monday, ships will be escorted through the Strait of Hormuz as part of a plan called “Project Freedom”.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that countries from around the world have requested help from the United States to rescue ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that the conflict is not their concern as they are neutral and innocent bystanders.
“For the benefit of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have informed these countries that we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways, allowing them to conduct business freely and smoothly,” he said. “Once again, I want to stress that these ships come from all over the world and have no relation to the events currently unfolding in the Middle East.”
“I have instructed my representatives to assure them that we will make every effort to ensure the safe passage of their ships and crew through the strait,” Trump said, adding, “They have conveyed that they will not return until safe navigation in the area is restored.”
The President also mentioned that the operation, named “Project Freedom,” will commence on Monday morning local time in the Middle East. The U.S. representatives are in “very active negotiations” with Iran, and these discussions could bring about very positive outcomes for all parties involved.
He emphasized that this initiative is a humanitarian measure taken by the United States and Middle Eastern countries, especially Iran.
“Many ships are running out of food and essential supplies needed to maintain the health and hygiene of a large number of crew members on board,” Trump stated. “I believe that this will greatly help demonstrate goodwill amid the intense confrontations among various parties in recent months. If this humanitarian process is disrupted in any way, unfortunately, such disruptions will have to be met with strong countermeasures.”