US President Donald Trump announced on April 3 that the US would begin guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz from April 4, claiming that this was at the request of "countries around the world."
Trump posted on his social media account, Truth Social, that he had "spoken to countries that we will guide ships so that they can pass through restricted waters safely and continue their operations freely and without disruption," adding that "this process, Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning (April 4) Middle East time."
Trump called this a "humanitarian measure," stating that many stranded ships are "running out of food and everything necessary for large crews to stay healthy and hygienic on board."
According to marine information company AXS Marine, more than 900 commercial vessels were anchored in the bay as of April 29.
Since the start of the war in the Middle East, Iran has effectively gained control of the Strait of Hormuz, restricting the flow of oil and gas, which is crucial to the global economy. Meanwhile, the United States has imposed a blockade on Iran's ports.
[AFP]
Add comment
Comments