US declares it will free ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump declared on Sunday (local time) that the United States will begin “freeing” ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday, a move that could break the current fragile ceasefire.

Speaking on social media, Trump called the operation, named “Project Freedom,” a “humanitarian gesture.” He noted that many vessels are running out of food and essential supplies for their large crews, who remain onboard in poor health and sanitation conditions. He warned: “If this humanitarian process is interfered with, then unfortunately that interference will have to be dealt with strongly.”

The US president said he had instructed representatives to inform Iranian officials that the US would “use its best efforts to get the ships and their crews out of the strait safely.”

Previously, the US military had stated it was “not ready” to escort ships through the strait. Although a ceasefire has been in effect since April and lasted more than three weeks, Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the US blockade of Iranian ports have sent oil prices soaring.

In the United States, gasoline prices have risen to $4.44 per gallon, from below $3 before the conflict erupted, fueling inflation. Energy costs are increasing public dissatisfaction with the war, as Trump’s approval ratings have fallen to record lows in recent opinion polls.

Before this announcement, Trump had expressed satisfaction with the current standoff blockade in the Gulf, arguing that the US blockade was “more effective than dropping bombs.”