Donald Trump announced on Sunday an initiative that will begin on Monday to help ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, closed by Iran. The American president, however, provided few details.
In a message posted on social media, he stated that “neutral and innocent countries have been affected by the war in Iran and we have assured these countries that we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways so that they can resume their activities freely and effectively.”
The “Freedom Project” will start Monday morning in the Middle East, President Trump said, adding that his representatives are in discussions with Iran, which could lead to “something very positive for everyone.”
Iran’s control of the strait, imposed after the outbreak of the war by the United States and Israel on February 28, has shaken global markets.
Mr. Trump spoke a few hours after Iran announced it was reviewing the American response to its latest proposal to cease hostilities, emphasizing that the negotiations do not concern nuclear issues.
Context:
– Donald Trump announces an initiative to help ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed by Iran. – The initiative is called the “Freedom Project”.
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– The strait was closed after the outbreak of the war by the US and Israel. – The initiative aims to guide ships safely out of the restricted waterways.
An article also reports an attack on a cargo ship near the strait by multiple vessels, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO). This incident was one of at least two dozen attacks in and around the strait since the start of the war in Iran.
The crew of the cargo ship, heading north, is safe after the attack off Sirik, east of the strait, as reported by the British observer. Iranian authorities claim control of the strait and allow the passage of non-US or Israeli affiliated ships for a fee, challenging the freedom of navigation guaranteed by international law.
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– At least two dozen attacks have occurred in and around the strait since the war began. – Iranian authorities allow passage for a fee, challenging international navigation laws.
These excerpts capture the current tension in the region, with the United States and Iran engaged in delicate negotiations amid escalating maritime security concerns.
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