Starting Monday, U.S. naval forces will guide blocked vessels through the critical waterway, which has been largely disrupted following Iranian actions earlier this year. In a post on social media, Trump said the United States had informed “these countries” that their ships would be safely escorted out of the restricted passage to allow normal operations to resume. However, he did not specify which countries were included.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely affected since February, when Iran effectively halted maritime movement in the area following the outbreak of conflict. In response, the United States has imposed counter naval measures targeting Iranian ports, resulting in a standoff that has left numerous commercial vessels stranded.
An estimated 20,000 sailors and crew members remain stuck at sea, facing dwindling supplies of food and medicine. Prolonged confinement has also raised serious concerns about their physical and mental well-being.
Late Sunday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker in the strait was damaged after being struck by an “unknown object.” No casualties were reported.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital energy corridors, responsible for transporting nearly 20 percent of global fuel supplies, including oil and liquefied natural gas. The disruption has driven energy prices sharply higher worldwide.
Trump described the new operation as a “humanitarian effort” involving the United States, Iran, and other regional actors. He emphasized that the mission is intended to assist individuals, companies, and countries not responsible for the conflict.
He also noted that U.S. representatives are engaged in “very positive” discussions with Iran, suggesting the talks could lead to favorable outcomes. However, no details were provided on how cooperation with Tehran would factor into the operation.
According to United States Central Command, around 15,000 personnel, along with more than 100 aircraft and warships, will be deployed as part of the mission. Trump warned that any interference with the operation would be met with “strong measures.”
The announcement comes shortly after Iran submitted a 14-point peace proposal to the United States, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Iranian officials said the plan was delivered through Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator.
While Trump confirmed receiving the proposal, he described it as “unacceptable,” though it is still under review. Iranian state-linked media have reported that Tehran has also received a response from Washington and is currently evaluating it.
The proposal reportedly includes demands such as the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iranian border areas, lifting the naval blockade on Iranian ports, and ending hostilities across the region, including Israeli military actions in Lebanon.
Iran has reiterated that it will not halt its nuclear program under pressure. The United States and Israel have accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran continues to deny, insisting its program is for peaceful purposes.
Previous peace talks between Washington and Tehran held in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough. However, Pakistan has said efforts are ongoing to bring both sides back to the negotiating table.
Iranian officials indicated that a comprehensive peace agreement could be reached within a month if the United States accepts the new proposal.
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