Trump says U.S. will 'free' ships trapped in Persian Gulf by Strait of Hormuz closure
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Vessels have been largely unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for months, disrupting key supply chains.
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President Donald Trump said Sunday that the U.S. will attempt to "free" stranded cargo ships that have been trapped by the Strait of Hormuz closure since the war with Iran began. The effort, which Trump in a Truth Social post dubbed "Project Freedom," is set to begin on Monday. The president said the effort is focused solely on getting civilian ships that are flagged in countries not affiliated with the conflict out of the contested waterway so they can "freely and ably get on with their business." "I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait," Trump said. "In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else." Trump provided no details on how the U.S. would attempt to conduct such an operation, nor how U.S. military forces would be involved. It is also unclear whether Iran will allow the U.S. to conduct the operation without interference amid the ongoing conflict, and when the strait will reopen for regular transit. The White House and Department of Defense did not immediately respond to requests for more information. The strait has been largely impassable since the war broke out, stranding cargo vessels and choking off a key supply chain. About 20% of the world's crude oil transits the strait, leading to soaring oil prices and higher gasoline prices in the U.S. Read more CNBC politics coverage Pirro reveals new Trump attack evidence; Cole Allen challenges 'suicide precautions' Bard President Botstein retiring after Jeffrey Epstein ties detailed Trump tells Congress hostilities in Iran 'have terminated' at war powers deadline Lutnick gets grilling on Nvidia chip sales to China in Sen. Chris Coons letter The new effort to free ships does not appear to be aimed at restoring freedom of navigation to the channel, but rather allowing ships that have been stranded to exit safely. Iran has blocked transit by firing on ships at...
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