Trump Vows US Action to Free Ships Stranded in Strait of Hormuz

Washington DC. US President Donald Trump has said that America will be active in safely rescuing ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. He said this after news emerged on Monday that a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile. 

“We have told those countries that we will safely get their ships out of these restricted waterways so that they can do their work freely,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. He said the plan would start from Monday but did not provide details. 

According to the International Maritime Organization, hundreds of ships and about 20,000 sailors are stranded in the area due to the current conflict. The US military's Central Command (Centcom) has stated that it will provide assistance with 15,000 soldiers, more than 100 aerial and maritime assets, warships, and drones. 

The objective is said to be to restore freedom of movement for commercial ships. Shortly after Trump's statement, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed an unknown attack on a tanker. The incident occurred about 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah city in the United Arab Emirates, where all crew members are reported to be safe. 

For the past two months, Iran has been almost blocking the movement of ships other than its own in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a sharp rise in global energy prices. There are reports of some ships being targeted with gunfire and some being seized. 

Meanwhile, the US has also imposed a blockade on ships coming from Iranian ports. The US is trying to form an international coalition with other countries. 

Trump has warned that any interference in the US operation will be met with a strong response. On the other hand, Iran has stated that it has received a response from the US for peace talks, although the status of the talks is unclear.