What we know about Trump's 'Project Freedom' in Strait of Hormuz

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. What we know about Trump's 'Project Freedom' in Strait of Hormuz 1 hour ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Paulin Kola and Bernd Debusmann Jr , at the White House President Donald Trump has announced the US will help "guide" ships that have been stranded by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait has remained largely blocked since the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran - and Tehran responded by blocking the crucial waterway through which 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas is meant to pass freely. The day after the announcement, limited fighting appears to have resumed, with the US striking several Iranian small boats and Iran reportedly launching a series of attacks of its own.

What does Trump's "Project Freedom" entail and could it lead to a wider resumption of hostilities? The president said the US had been asked by countries "from all over the World" to help free up their ships which were "locked up in the Strait of Hormuz" and were "merely neutral and innocent bystanders! And so, in response, the US would "guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways".

The Details

"The Ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong — They are victims of circumstance," Trump said in the post on his Truth Social platform. He added this was "a Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran" - as many of these vessels were "running low on food, and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner". Follow live updates What is Iran's response?

Trump's announcement appears mild compared to previous statements against Iran. It even makes it sound like Iran is a party to the operation - the president went as far as to say "Project Freedom" was being undertaken on behalf of Iran, too. But that is not how Iran sees the operation.

A statement from the head of Iran's central command said it would attack "any foreign armed force" that tried to approach or enter the Strait, "especially, the aggressive US army". Maj Gen Ali Abdollahi said safe passage through it must be co-ordinated with Iran "under all circumstances". How is the US military implementing Trump's plan?

An estimated 20,000 sailors and 2,000 ships have been trapped in the Gulf since the start of the war with Iran, according to the International Maritime Organisation - a UN agency that regulates shipping. There has been growing concern over dwindling supplies and the effects on sailors' physical and mental health. But Trump did not say how they would be able to sail away - he only threatened to use force "if, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with".

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.