Washington DC: The Donald Trump administration has said the United States will begin escorting stranded foreign ships through the Strait of Hormuz from Monday, in a move aimed at easing disruptions to global trade and addressing a growing humanitarian concern.
The operation, named Project Freedom, is intended to assist vessels stuck in the strategically critical waterway due to ongoing conflict in West Asia. According to US officials, several ships have been unable to move for weeks and are now facing shortages of essential supplies such as food and drinking water.
Trump described the mission as a humanitarian effort to support what he called "innocent bystanders" caught in the conflict. He also issued a warning that any interference with the operation would be met with force.
At the same time, Washington indicated that diplomatic channels remain open. The US president said discussions with Iran were ongoing and showing positive signs, raising cautious hopes of a broader resolution to the conflict.
The United States Central Command confirmed that the mission would involve significant military support, including guided-missile destroyers, aircraft, unmanned systems, and around 15,000 personnel. The objective is to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through one of the world's most important oil transit routes.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, carries nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments. It has remained largely inaccessible since late February, when hostilities escalated following US and Israeli military action against Iran. The US has also enforced an economic blockade, further restricting maritime movement linked to Iranian ports.
The disruption has had a direct impact on global energy markets. Oil prices surged sharply after the conflict began, with crude briefly crossing USD 126 per barrel. Although prices have slightly eased, they remain elevated, contributing to rising fuel costs worldwide. In the United States, petrol prices have climbed significantly, adding domestic pressure on the administration.
Reports suggest that diplomatic efforts are continuing behind the scenes. US envoy Steve Witkoff has confirmed ongoing engagement with Iranian officials, while recent proposals exchanged between the two sides indicate attempts to negotiate an end to the conflict.
The escort mission marks a critical step in stabilising maritime trade in the region, even as broader geopolitical tensions remain unresolved.
(With AP inputs)