US President Donald Trump on Monday announced 'Project Freedom', an initiative to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing US naval blockade.
He shared the announcement on Truth Social, adding that the operation will begin Monday morning, Middle East time.
The US President also said that he is fully aware that his representatives are having very positive discussions with the country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all.
Stating that countries from all over the world — which he referred to as merely neutral and innocent bystanders — Trump added that the United States has told these countries that they will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business.
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"These are ships from areas of the world that are not in any way involved with that which is currently taking place in the Middle East... Again, 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. The Ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong — They are victims of circumstances."
Trump said that this was a humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the country of Iran.
"Many of these ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner. I think it would go a long way in showing goodwill on behalf of all of those who have been fighting so strenuously over the last number of months. If, in any way, this humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Meanwhile, Iran has offered to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz without addressing its nuclear programme. Iran also wants the United States to end its blockade of the country as part of its proposal.
On Monday, a tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for India sailed out of the Hormuz and is now headed towards the country.
The Marshall Islands-flagged LPG carrier MT Sarv Shakti, loaded with 46,313 tonnes of LPG and staffed by 20 crew, including 18 Indians, cleared the key shipping chokepoint on May 2 and is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on May 13.
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