Trump has announced the launch of Operation Freedom to free ships in the Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump has announced that the United States plans to assist ships that have been stranded due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in leaving the danger zone. The operation, which he has dubbed ‘Operation Freedom’, is set to begin on Monday.
According to him, the initiative concerns civilian vessels flying the flags of countries not involved in the conflict. The aim is to ensure their safe passage so that they can continue their operations.
Trump noted that representatives of these countries had been informed of the intention to use all available means to safely evacuate the vessels and crews from the strait. However, he did not specify exactly how the operation would be carried out or what role the US military would play in it.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained partially blocked since the start of the war. As a result, a significant number of vessels are unable to continue their journey, which is affecting global supplies, particularly the transport of oil. According to the report, around 20 per cent of the world’s maritime oil supplies pass through the strait.
Iran has restricted the movement of ships, notably by opening fire on those attempting to pass and by laying mines. In this context, Trump described the operation as a humanitarian initiative aimed at helping countries, companies and people not involved in the conflict.
He also stated that any interference with this operation would be regarded as grounds for a harsh response.
The US Central Command reported that the mission aims to support merchant vessels and restore freedom of navigation in the straits. It may involve military ships, aircraft and personnel.
At the same time, it remains unclear whether Iran will agree to such an operation and how it will affect the current ceasefire, which has been in place for over two weeks.
Iranian MP Ebrahim Azizi stated that any US intervention in the situation in the Strait would be regarded as a breach of the ceasefire.
Negotiations between the US and Iran on ending the war are ongoing, but no agreement has yet been reached. Donald Trump previously stated that he was not satisfied with Iran’s latest proposals.
