Trump announces effort to escort ships away from Strait of Hormuz

President Trump on Sunday said an effort to escort ships from countries not involved in the war with Iran safely out of the Strait of Hormuz, dubbed Project Freedom, will begin Monday.

“For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else,” Mr. Trump wrote.

The president said the effort is a “Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran,” noting that the ships are “running low on food, and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner.”

“If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully,” Mr. Trump concluded.