In a tweet, Trump announced that the various countries involved in the incidents on the roadways will be advised about the operational plan to return their vessels safely back to their respective countries of registry. He did not identify the specific nations who may receive assistance in this matter. He did, however, indicate that there would be strong repercussions against any entity that attempted to interfere with this humanitarian project which he named Project Freedom.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation will involve approximately 15,000 US personnel, destroyers equipped with guided missiles, and approximately 100 unmanned air vehicles (drones). Based upon recent reports, there may have been approximately 20,000 crew members aboard the ships that have been held in the Gulf since the onset of hostilities between Iranian forces and the United States in early February, and there are increasing concerns about the dwindling food supplies and deteriorating physical and mental well-being of the crew members aboard the vessels.
After the beginning of hostilities between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran in early February, Iran reduced the volume of maritime traffic flowing through the Strait of Hormuz (the Strait). In addition, since the commencement of hostilities, the United States has established a naval blockade of trade through Iranian ports.
In a news report published late Sunday, it was reported that one of the tankers operating within the Strait had been struck by an unidentified missile, although the crew was confirmed to be safe.Iran has warned Donald Trump against interfering with their waters, saying an act of aggression would violate the ceasefire agreement. Trump claims he is having positive discussions with Iranian people, and that he thinks there is a chance that he and Iran could make some arrangements.
He indicated that he was waiting for a final answer on Iran's most recent peace proposal sent through Pakistan. The US has not yet confirmed it has sent a response to the peace plan, but Trump replied to a question by an Israeli television channel that Iran's offer was unacceptable. Trump's comments came just two days after he publicly stated that he didn't expect Iran's plan to be acceptable because of Iran's behaviour over the years toward the entire world.
During a recent press conference, the Iranian official stated that there was no participation at this time in the nuclear negotiations between the two nations, even though the US has made it a critical part of any deal. Iran also has maintained they do not have any intentions of developing nuclear weapons, and only have their uranium enrichment programme for peaceful purposes.
When asked if Iran would continue to strike US troops inside Iran, Trump cautioned this option was still available to him, as long as Iran continues to act in a provocative way, but reiterated that the US plans to remain engaged in the conflict.
The ongoing shipping crisis has caused oil and natural gas prices to skyrocket across the globe, given approximately 20% of the oil/NG traded worldwide passes through the Strait of Hormuz when things are normal.
