Trump Says US Will “guide” Stranded Ships Through Strait Of Hormuz After Iran Closure

Trump says US will “guide” stranded ships through Strait of Hormuz after Iran closure US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will help “guide” commercial vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, following Iran’s reported closure of the key global shipping route. The move comes as tensions continue to escalate in the Gulf, where hundreds of ships are said to be stuck due to restrictions linked to the ongoing Iran–US conflict in the region. Trump said the US will begin a major naval-led effort to escort affected vessels from Monday, describing the mission as a humanitarian initiative aimed at restoring global trade flows. The operation, referred to by US officials as “Project Freedom,” involves coordination between the US Navy and international partners to help commercial ships safely navigate out of the strait. He added that the US had informed multiple countries that their vessels would be guided through the waterway so they could “get on with their business.” US Central Command is expected to support the mission with naval assets and surveillance capabilities in the region. Iran has warned that any foreign military presence in the Strait of Hormuz could be met with force, insisting that shipping movements in the waterway must be coordinated with Iranian authorities.

Tehran has previously argued that it maintains control over security in the strait and has cautioned against unilateral US action.

The situation has raised fears of a direct confrontation between US and Iranian forces in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global energy supplies, with a significant portion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it. The reported closure has left an estimated thousands of seafarers and commercial vessels stranded, causing delays in global supply chains and contributing to volatility in energy markets. Shipping firms and maritime analysts have warned that continued disruption could have far-reaching consequences for international trade. While the US frames the mission as a protective escort for neutral shipping, Iran has accused Washington of escalating tensions in the Gulf. International observers say the situation remains highly volatile, with both sides maintaining firm positions on naval operations in the region.

Efforts to restore safe passage through the strait are ongoing, but no clear agreement has been reached between the two countries.