The United States has announced that from Monday it will begin efforts to release commercial vessels stranded after Iran shut down the vital Strait of Hormuz at the onset of the conflict.
US President Donald Trump described the mission, dubbed “Project Freedom,” as a humanitarian effort, warning that any obstruction would be met with decisive action.
US Central Command (Centcom) said the operation would involve roughly 15,000 American troops, guided-missile destroyers, and over 100 aircraft, while noting that its blockade on Iranian ports would remain in place.
The development comes amid a temporary truce between the two nations that took effect on 8 April, as negotiations continue toward a lasting peace agreement.
However, a senior Iranian official cautioned that any US involvement in the strait would breach the ceasefire terms.
Iran’s military also issued a warning, stating it would target any foreign presence entering the waterway, specifically mentioning US forces.
The shutdown of the strategic passage a key route for Gulf oil exports has driven up global fuel prices and left thousands of seafarers stuck aboard approximately 2,000 vessels unable to move due to the blockade.
Typically, around 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows through this narrow channel.
In a social media post, Trump said nations worldwide had appealed to the US for help in clearing the route, describing the trapped ships as neutral parties caught in the situation.
He added that the operation would serve not only the US but also Iran and other Middle Eastern countries, though he did not specify which ones or outline how the mission would be executed.
Trump further noted that ongoing talks with Iran were “very positive” and could potentially produce beneficial outcomes for all sides.
About 20,000 sailors have reportedly been stranded in the Gulf since the conflict began, raising concerns about dwindling supplies and the toll on their physical and mental well-being.
On Sunday, the United Kingdom Maritime Transportation Operation (UKMTO) reported that a tanker in the strait had been struck by an unidentified projectile, though all crew members were unharmed.
Separately, Pakistan announced on Monday that 22 crew members from the Iranian container ship Touska seized by the US last month would be returned to Iranian authorities.
The vessel had been intercepted en route to an Iranian port as part of the US blockade, with its crew relocated to Pakistan.
Pakistan described the move as a gesture by the United States aimed at building trust.
Trump’s remarks followed reports from Iranian state-linked media indicating that Tehran had received a response from Washington regarding its latest peace proposal.
According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, the reply delivered through Pakistan is currently under review.
The United States has not officially confirmed sending a response, although Trump reportedly told Israel’s Kan News that he found the proposal unacceptable.
Iranian media said Tehran’s 14-point plan calls for the withdrawal of US forces near its borders, an end to the naval blockade, and a halt to all hostilities, including Israel’s military actions in Lebanon.
The proposal also suggests that a final agreement be reached within 30 days.
Additionally, it urges both sides to prioritise ending the war rather than prolonging the current ceasefire.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said there are currently no nuclear negotiations underway, despite this being a key demand from Washington.
Tehran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons, insisting its programme is for peaceful use, although it remains the only non-nuclear-armed state enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels.
On Saturday, Trump confirmed that the US had received Iran’s latest proposal, saying he would review it but doubting its acceptability, arguing Iran had not faced sufficient consequences for its actions over the years.
Later, speaking to reporters, he said he had been briefed on the general idea of the deal and was awaiting the full details.
When asked whether military strikes inside Iran could resume, Trump said it remained a possibility, depending on Iran’s actions.
“If they misbehave,” he said, “we’ll see.”
He also signalled that the US would not fully withdraw from the conflict, stating that maintaining involvement would prevent future instability.
Iranian state-linked outlets added that Tehran’s latest proposal was crafted in response to a nine-point US plan that suggested a two-month ceasefire.