Trump says the US will ‘liberate’ ships trapped by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the US will try to “free” cargo ships that have been blocked by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the war with Iran.

The effort, which Trump in a Public Truth song called “Project Freedom,” is expected to begin Monday. The president said that the effort is focused only on getting the ships of unknown people from countries not involved in the conflict out of the disputed route so that they can “continue their business freely and freely.”

“I told my representatives to let them know that we will use every effort to get the ships and their crews out of the Strait safely,” Trump said. “In all cases, they said they wouldn’t come back until the place was ready to go, and everything else.”

Trump did not provide details on how the US would try to carry out such a mission, and how the US military would be involved. It is unclear whether Iran will allow the US to carry out this operation unimpeded amid the ongoing conflict, and when the strait will be opened for regular travel.

The White House and the Defense Department did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.

The strait has been largely unnavigable since the start of the war, with cargo ships lagging behind and cutting off the supply chain. About 20% of the world crude oil passes through the road, leading to higher oil prices and higher gasoline prices in the US

The new effort to free the ships does not appear to be aimed at restoring freedom of movement to the station, but rather allowing stranded ships to exit safely. Iran has blocked shipping by firing on ships trying to pass and laying mines in the waterway.

“The Shipping Association is only designed to bail out people, companies and States who have done nothing wrong – They are victims of circumstances,” Trump said in the post. “This is a humanitarian act on behalf of the United States, the Middle Eastern countries but, in particular, the State of Iran.”

The US and Iran have been in a fragile ceasefire for more than two weeks as the war enters its second month. Washington and Tehran have been negotiating an end to the war, but the talks have not resulted in an agreement. Trump earlier in the week said he was “not satisfied” with the latest offer from Iran.

On Friday, Trump told Congress that hostilities with Iran are “over.” Trump’s claim came on what would have been a deadline under the War Powers Resolution of 1973 for him to ask congressional lawmakers to formally declare war on Iran or authorize the use of military force against it.

Trump suggested in a Truth Social post announcing the rescue effort that Iran allowing the stranded ships to sail would be helpful in peace talks. But the president warned that interference will be met with force.

“I know very well that my representatives are having very good negotiations with the country of Iran, and that these negotiations can lead to something good for all,” he said. “I think it would go a long way in showing Goodwill on behalf of all those who have been fighting so hard these past months. If, in any way, this humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference, unfortunately, will have to be dealt with forcefully.”