Follow-up – INA
U.S. President Donald Trump said that a U.S.-led effort to assist stranded vessels in the Strait of Hormuz—dubbed “Project Freedom”—will begin Monday morning, Middle East time.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that “countries from all over the world, almost all of which are not involved in the Middle Eastern dispute, have asked the United States to help free up their ships, which are locked in the Strait of Hormuz,” describing them as “neutral and innocent bystanders.”
He added that “for the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these countries that we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways, so they can get on with their business.”
Trump said he had instructed his representatives to “use best efforts to get their ships and crews safely out of the Strait,” noting that in all cases, the countries involved said they would not return “until the area becomes safe for navigation.”
He stated that “Project Freedom” will begin Monday morning, adding that U.S. representatives are holding “very positive discussions with Iran,” which “could lead to something very positive for all.”
Trump said the operation is intended to assist “people, companies, and countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong—they are victims of circumstance,” describing it as “a humanitarian gesture” involving the United States and Middle Eastern countries, “particularly Iran.”
He noted that many of the vessels are “running low on food and necessary supplies for large crews,” expressing hope the effort would demonstrate goodwill among parties involved in recent tensions.
Trump warned that “if this humanitarian process is interfered with in any way that interference will have to be dealt with forcefully.”