President Donald Trump has a problem with poor popularity both inside and outside the United States. The war he launched alongside Israel against Iran on February 28 is causing an increase in the price of oil and other products, which affects the economy of citizens and that never gives good publicity.
So Trump, in what he called a “humanitarian gesture,” announced Sunday night that the United States will escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. He explained that this initiative, which he named Project Liberty, will be launched this Monday and emphasized that it was a response to other countries, which he did not name, but said were not involved in the conflict and asked the U.S. for help to free the ships blocked in that crucial passage.
“The movement of the ships has the sole purpose of freeing people, companies, and countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong and are victims of circumstances,” he wrote on his social network. He also pointed out that his representatives are having “very positive conversations” with Iranian leaders to formally end hostilities between the two countries that have shaken the region.
“For the sake of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have informed these countries that we will safely guide their ships out of these restricted waterways, so they can continue freely and without problems with their activities,” he stated on his platform.
Trump warns he will “respond firmly” to any interference in the escort process
In line with his usual threatening tone, the U.S. president warned that if U.S. efforts to escort the ships are interrupted, “there will be a firm response.”
“If in any way this humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference, unfortunately, will have to be dealt with firmly,” Trump promised, highlighting that the ships that have asked for help to leave the strait “are running out of food and everything necessary for large crews to remain on board in healthy and sanitary conditions.”
Iran responded that this operation may go against the truce. “Any U.S. interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire,” replied Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Commission, on the X network. “The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf will not be managed by Trump’s delirious publications,” he added.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route off the coast of Iran, was closed to marine traffic as a consequence of the armed conflict (before the war it was open). This circumstance has trapped oil tankers, fertilizer ships, and derivative products in the Persian Gulf and has raised energy and food prices worldwide.
It is estimated that about 2,000 cargo ships have been trapped since Iran closed the strait last month, and then the United States announced its own blockade, causing a confrontation with global implications.
Trump’s announcement comes after a cargo ship near the strait was attacked Sunday morning by several small boats, according to the British military.
Shortly after Trump’s message, the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) issued a statement saying it will assist merchant ships seeking to transit freely through this essential international trade corridor.
“Our support for this defensive mission is essential for regional security and the global economy, while we also maintain the naval blockade,” said Admiral Brad Cooper, Centcom commander.
The U.S. military deployment will include guided missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft based on land and sea, and 15,000 personnel, the statement emphasized.
A fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran agreed on April 7 remains in effect, but it is unclear how a more lasting peace agreement could be reached.
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