Trump says the U.S will 'guide' stranded ships from the Strait of Hormuz

Key Points:

• The United States announced "Project Freedom," a military operation starting Monday to guide stranded ships safely through the Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict, involving guided-missile destroyers, aircraft, and 15,000 service members.
• The initiative aims to assist hundreds of vessels and approximately 20,000 seafarers stuck in the Persian Gulf due to Iran's effective closure of the strait following the U.S. and Israel's war declaration on February 28.
• Iran condemned the U.S. move as a violation of the ceasefire, asserting control over the strait and demanding toll payments for passage, while denying recent reports of attacks on ships near the strait.
• Recent attacks on cargo ships near the Strait of Hormuz underscore the region's volatility; no injuries were reported, but the threat level remains critical with ongoing naval confrontations.
• Iran is reviewing the U.S. response to its latest 14-point proposal aimed at ending the war, which includes lifting sanctions and ending hostilities, though nuclear negotiations are not currently part of the discussions.