Trump’s announcement: humanitarian gesture or geopolitical move?
American President Donald Trump dropped a bomb online this Sunday: “Project Freedom” begins on Monday to remove stranded ships from the Strait of Hormuz. But, as always, details are conspicuous by their absence. We are talking about hundreds of ships and some 20,000 sailors trapped since the war began on February 28.
Trump said that “neutral and innocent” countries are suffering the consequences of the conflict with Iran, and that his plan is to guide them “safely” out of those waters. But he did not explain how he plans to do it without colliding with Tehran, which controls the passage.
“We have told these countries that we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways,” Trump wrote.
Things get more tense when he adds a warning: if anyone interferes, “unfortunately, they will have to be dealt with forcefully.” That is, the classic carrot and stick.
The reality on the ground: attacks and desperation
While Trump speaks, the attacks do not stop. A cargo ship near the strait reported being attacked by small boats this Sunday. The British monitor confirmed that the crew is safe, but it is the latest of at least two dozen incidents since the war began.
The sailors, many from India and Southeast Asia, are stranded with little food and water. They have seen drones and missiles explode over their heads. It’s a floating hell.
Iran, for its part, denies the attacks. They say they only review documents. But the reality is that they have closed the strait de facto, charging tolls to ships not affiliated with the US or Israel.
The Iranian position: firmness and conditions
Tehran is not moving. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ali Nikzad was clear: “We will not retreat from our position on the Strait of Hormuz.” They are reviewing the US response to their 14-point proposal to end the war, which includes lifting sanctions and withdrawing forces from the region.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said that “at this stage, we do not have nuclear negotiations.” They want to resolve what is urgent first: the war, not the nuclear program.
And the money?
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent boasted that Iran has collected just $1.3 million in tolls, a pittance compared to its oil revenues. Crude oil storage is filling up and “they will have to start shutting down wells next week.”
But be careful: the three-week truce is fragile. Pakistan is mediating, but this looks more like a chess game than a real solution. Meanwhile, the sailors remain trapped, and the world watches.
