What’s Behind the US Initiative to Assist Ships in the Strait of Hormuz?

US to Assist Stranded Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz

Dubai: President Donald Trump announced that the United States will initiate a program on Monday aimed at assisting ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been affected by tensions with Iran. This initiative is designed to support hundreds of vessels and approximately 20,000 crew members.

In a social media update on Sunday, Trump noted that nations deemed 'neutral and innocent' have been impacted by the ongoing conflict with Iran. He stated, 'We have informed these countries that we will guide their ships safely through these restricted waters, allowing them to continue their operations.'

The operation, dubbed 'Project Freedom,' is set to commence on Monday morning in the Middle East. Trump also mentioned that discussions with Iran could lead to a favorable outcome for all parties involved.

The closure of the strait by Iran, which followed the US and Israel's military actions on February 28, has caused significant disruptions in global markets.

Numerous ships, particularly oil and gas tankers, have been trapped in the Persian Gulf since the conflict began. Crew members have reported witnessing drones and missiles in the vicinity, while facing shortages of essential supplies like food and water.

Many of the affected sailors hail from India and various Southeast Asian nations.

Trump characterized these individuals as 'victims of circumstance' and framed the initiative as a humanitarian effort on behalf of the US and Middle Eastern nations, especially Iran. However, he warned that any interference with this humanitarian mission would be met with a strong response.

His remarks were quickly circulated by some Iranian media, which referred to his announcement as a mere 'claim.'

This statement came shortly after Iran indicated it was evaluating the US's response to its recent proposal aimed at resolving the conflict, clarifying that these discussions do not pertain to nuclear negotiations. A fragile ceasefire has been in place for three weeks.

Recent Attack on Cargo Ship

On the same day, a cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz reported being attacked by several small vessels, according to the UK's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center. This incident marks one of many attacks in the region since the onset of the conflict.

Fortunately, all crew members aboard the unidentified cargo ship were unharmed following the attack near Sirik, Iran, east of the strait. Iranian officials have claimed control over the strait, asserting that vessels not linked to the US or Israel may pass if they pay a toll, which raises questions about the freedom of navigation as per international law.

Iran denied any attack, with semi-official outlets reporting that a ship was stopped for a routine document check.

This incident was the first reported attack in the area since April 22. Tehran's actions have effectively restricted access to the strait, maintaining a critical threat level in the region.

Iranian patrol boats, often small and difficult to detect, have been a concern. Last month, Trump ordered the military to take aggressive action against Iranian boats that deploy mines in the strait.

The British military also reported receiving warnings directed at ships near Ras al-Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the UAE, advising them to vacate their anchorages, though the source of these warnings remains unclear.

Iran Evaluates US Proposal

Iran is currently assessing the US's response to its latest proposal aimed at concluding the conflict, as reported by the judiciary's Mizan news agency, citing Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei.

Baghaei emphasized that there are no ongoing nuclear negotiations at this time. While Iran's nuclear program has been a focal point of tensions with the US, Tehran prefers to address this issue later.

The Iranian proposal seeks to resolve various issues within a month and aims to end the conflict rather than merely extend the ceasefire, according to state-affiliated media.

Trump mentioned he is reviewing the proposal but expressed skepticism about its potential to yield a deal.

The 14-point proposal from Iran includes demands for the US to lift sanctions, end its naval blockade of Iranian ports, withdraw military forces from the region, and halt all hostilities, including Israeli actions in Lebanon, as reported by semi-official news agencies closely linked to Iran's security apparatus.

Pakistan's prime minister, foreign minister, and army chief are reportedly encouraging direct dialogue between the US and Iran, according to anonymous officials.

Iran's Stance on the Strait of Hormuz

Trump has proposed a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil and natural gas trade, as well as essential fertilizers for agriculture worldwide.

Iran's deputy parliament speaker, Ali Nikzad, asserted that the country will not relent on its position regarding the Strait of Hormuz and will not revert to pre-war conditions.

The US has warned shipping companies that they may face sanctions for any payments made to Iran, including through digital currencies, for safe passage through the strait.

The ongoing US naval blockade, initiated on April 13, is significantly impacting Iran's oil revenue, which is crucial for its struggling economy. The US Central Command reported that 49 commercial vessels have been instructed to turn back.

According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Iran has collected less than USD 1.3 million in tolls, a stark contrast to its previous daily oil revenues. He noted that Iran's oil storage is nearing capacity, which may force the country to shut down wells in the near future.