Trump says the US will ‘guide’ stranded ships from the Strait of Hormuz, starting on Monday

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will begin guiding stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday, a move aimed at assisting hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers affected by the Iran war. Trump stated that neutral and innocent countries have been impacted and that the U.S. will ensure their ships can navigate safely. This initiative, dubbed "Project Freedom," comes amidst ongoing discussions with Iran that Trump believes could lead to positive outcomes. The effective closure of the strait by Iran has caused global market instability, leaving ships and crews in the Persian Gulf facing shortages of supplies and dangerous conditions. Trump characterized the effort as a humanitarian gesture but warned of forceful action against any interference. Iranian outlets have described Trump's announcement as a claim, while Iran is reviewing a U.S. response to its proposal to end the war. Earlier, a cargo ship reported an attack near the strait, highlighting the persistent risks in the region. Iran maintains control over the strait and asserts that ships not affiliated with the U.S. or Israel can pass if tolls are paid. The U.S. naval blockade since April 13 is impacting Iran's oil revenue, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggesting Iran's oil storage is filling up. Despite the tensions, Pakistan continues to encourage direct talks between the U.S. and Iran.