US escorts ships through Strait as Iran warns of control, ceasefire pushed to the brink
WASHINGTON / GULF REGION: Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran, highlighting US military strength as tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz.
In a televised interview, Trump emphasized that the United States possesses advanced global military capabilities and warned that force could be used if necessary.
The statement comes as US forces begin implementing “Project Freedom,” an operation aimed at guiding commercial ships through the strait amid ongoing disruption. Military officials say vessels from dozens of countries remain stranded due to rising tensions.
Clashes and Conflicting Claims
US officials reported assisting merchant ships through the corridor, while also claiming to have intercepted small hostile vessels near Hormuz. However, Iranian sources denied such claims and insisted that control of the waterway remains firmly with Tehran.
Recent incidents, including reported attacks on vessels in the region, have further increased fears of escalation. Iran has warned that any foreign military presence could be treated as a violation of the ceasefire.
Global Impact Rising
The crisis has significantly disrupted global shipping and energy markets. Fuel prices in the US have surged, with petrol costs rising sharply in recent weeks, adding pressure on consumers and the broader economy.
Despite US assurances of safe passage, maritime traffic through the strait remains limited, and uncertainty continues to grow over stability in one of the world’s most critical oil routes.