Trump says move aims to assist neutral countries whose ships have been caught in the conflict
US President Donald Trump attends an arrival ceremony for Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., US, April 28, 2026. REUTERS
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN:
US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced a new initiative to escort stranded vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz beginning Monday, warning that any interference with the operation would be met with force.
Trump said the move aims to assist neutral countries whose ships have been caught in the conflict. The announcement came hours after Tehran confirmed it had received Washington’s response to its 14-point proposal to end the war through mediator Pakistan and was reviewing it.
Trump had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with the proposals and warned that the war could resume if Iran “misbehaved”. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) hardened their stance, telling the US president to choose between “impossible” strikes or a “bad deal”.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said several countries had approached Washington seeking help to free ships “locked up” in the strategic waterway despite having “absolutely nothing to do” with the regional dispute. He described the vessels as “neutral and innocent bystanders”.
He said the United States would “guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways” to allow them to resume normal commercial activity. He added that US representatives had been instructed to use “best efforts” to ensure the safe evacuation of both ships and their crews.
“This process, Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning, Middle East time,” Trump said, adding that the initiative was meant to assist “people, companies, and countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong — they are victims of circumstance.”
“If, in any way, this humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully,” he warned, noting that many vessels were running low on food and essential supplies needed to sustain large crews.
Trump described the “effort” as a “humanitarian gesture” on behalf of the US and Middle Eastern countries, “but in particular, the country of Iran”. He said his representatives were engaged in “very positive discussions” with Tehran that could “lead to something very positive for all”.
The development comes amid continued instability in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, where tensions have disrupted maritime traffic and raised concerns over supply chains and regional security.
Earlier in the day, Tehran warned Washington it faced a choice between an “impossible” military operation or a “bad deal”, even as fragile diplomatic efforts continued amid a volatile regional standoff.
Iran’s Tasnim and Fars news agencies reported that Tehran had submitted a 14-point proposal through Pakistan, though Trump cast doubt on its viability. Speaking in West Palm Beach, Florida, he said Iran had “not yet paid a big enough price” and reiterated that renewed strikes remained a possibility.
Despite the ceasefire entering its fourth week, rhetoric has intensified. The IRGC reiterated that Trump must choose between “an impossible operation or a bad deal” with Iran.
As both sides harden their positions, the path forward remains uncertain. The crisis has exposed the limits of both military pressure and diplomacy, leaving the region caught between escalation and an elusive peace.
Observers say backchannel diplomacy still remains active, with the coming week seen as potentially significant. A possible diplomatic window is also being viewed ahead of Trump’s planned visit to Beijing later this month. Pakistan is believed to be stepping up efforts to bridge differences and facilitate further talks.
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, confirmed that Islamabad continues to play a key mediating role. Speaking to IRNA, he said progress depends on a change in US behaviour and genuine diplomatic engagement.
Iranian state media reported that Tehran’s proposal calls for resolving all issues within 30 days rather than extending the ceasefire. It includes guarantees against renewed attacks, withdrawal of US forces, lifting of the naval blockade, restoration of frozen assets, compensation for damages, removal of sanctions, and an end to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon.
In a late-night post, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the US response had been received through Pakistan and was under review.
(AGENCIES WITH INPUT FROM OUR ISLAMABAD CORRESPONDENT KAMRAN YOUSAF)
