United States President Donald Trump has said discussions with Iran aimed at ending the conflict are “very positive”, while announcing that US forces will begin escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump said negotiations could lead to a breakthrough. “I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all,” he said.
The development comes amid continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. Iran has restricted access to the waterway since the conflict began, significantly affecting flows of oil, gas and fertiliser. In response, the United States has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports.
Donald Trump said several countries had sought US assistance to navigate the strait. “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,” he said.
He added that the operation, named “Project Freedom”, would begin on Monday morning, Middle East time. He described it as a “humanitarian gesture”, noting that some vessels had been stranded for extended periods. “Many of the marooned ships were running low on food, and everything else necessary for large-scale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner,” he said.
The US Central Command said its forces would support the mission with guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, unmanned platforms and around 15,000 service personnel. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said the operation was vital. “Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade,” he said.
The announcement follows earlier remarks from Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, who said Tehran had presented a 14-point plan focused on ending the war. He said the United States had responded through Pakistani mediators.
The conflict began on 28 February, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader. Tehran responded with attacks on US military bases and Israeli targets. A ceasefire came into effect on 8 April, and one round of direct talks has since been held in Islamabad, although negotiations remain deadlocked.
Shipping activity in the Gulf has declined sharply. According to maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine, more than 900 commercial vessels were in the region as of 29 April, compared with more than 1,100 at the start of the conflict.
While diplomatic efforts continue, the planned escort operation underscores ongoing tensions and the risks facing one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes.
