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President Donald Trump announced this Sunday the launch of the Freedom Project, a humanitarian operation to escort and safely guide vessels from third countries that have been held in the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Trump posted the announcement on his Truth Social account, explaining that nations from around the world—none involved in the Middle East conflict—had requested help to free their vessels. "They are mere neutral and innocent bystanders," wrote the president, who specified that the Freedom Project would begin this Monday morning, Middle Eastern time.
According to Trump, many of the detained ships are facing shortages of food and basic supplies. "Many of these ships are short on food and everything necessary for their numerous crews to remain on board in adequate sanitary conditions," he noted.
The president framed the operation as a gesture of goodwill, not only from the United States but also from Iran. "The transfer of the ships has the sole purpose of freeing individuals, businesses, and countries that have committed no crime; they are victims of circumstances," he stated.
Trump warned, however, that any interference with the humanitarian process "will have to be dealt with firmly."
The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz was triggered on February 28, 2026, when Iran blocked the maritime passage in retaliation for airstrikes by the United States and Israel. The closure left approximately 2,000 ships with 20,000 sailors stranded and caused the price of Brent crude to soar from 67 to over 126 dollars per barrel.
Since then, the escalation has been steady. In March, the United States destroyed at least 10 Iranian minesweeper boats near the strait. In April, Trump imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, enforced by Central Command with over 10,000 soldiers and a dozen warships.
The strait was temporarily reopened to commercial traffic around April 17, although ships continued to change routes due to the U.S. blockade on Iran. On April 22, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard opened fire on a container ship in the strait.
The announcement of the Liberty Project comes at a time of intense diplomatic activity. This Sunday, Trump confirmed that his representatives are engaged in "very positive conversations" with Iran that "could lead to something very positive for everyone," although he clarified that the movement of ships is independent of the nuclear negotiations.
Last Thursday, Iran sent a 14-point peace plan to the United States structured in three phases to end the war in 30 days, transmitted via Pakistan. The plan includes the gradual reopening of the strait, a freeze on uranium enrichment for 15 years, and the lifting of sanctions, but it excludes the issue of missiles.
Trump rejected the Iranian proposal as "unacceptable," although this Sunday Iran received a formal response from the United States regarding the 14-point plan, amidst negotiations that remain stalled due to incompatible positions: Washington demands the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and a 20-year moratorium, while Tehran offers only a five-year pause.
"I believe this would greatly contribute to demonstrating the goodwill of all those who have fought so hard over the past months," Trump concluded in his post, leaving the door open for a broader agreement if the Freedom Project proceeds without incidents.
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