Washington: President Donald Trump said Sunday that "very positive discussions" were underway with Iran on finding a solution to the war, but nevertheless added US forces will soon start escorting ships out of the blocked Strait of Hormuz. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, earlier, a spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei, told state television that Tehran had submitted a 14-point plan "focused on ending the war," and that Washington had responded to it in a message to Pakistani mediators. President Trump expressed optimism on his Truth Social platform, stating, "I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all." The United States and Israel had previously launched attacks on Iran on February 28, resulting in the death of the Islamic republic's supreme leader. In retaliation, Tehran conducted strikes on US military bases and Israeli targets in the region. A ceasefire was implemented on April 8, and since then, there has been one round of direct peace talks in Islamabad, but the two countries remain at an impasse. Iran has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz since the war began, hindering major flows of oil, gas, and fertilizer to the global economy. Meanwhile, the United States has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports. Trump revealed that "countries from all over the world" had requested American assistance in navigating through the critical waterway and out of the Gulf. "For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business," he stated. The initiative, termed "Project Freedom," is set to commence on Monday morning, Middle East time. Trump described it as a "humanitarian gesture," noting that many stranded ships were "running low on food, and everything else necessary for larg e-scale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner." Details about the operation remain sparse, but guiding ships through the narrow strait could position US service members close to Iranian forces. In a post on X, US Central Command announced that starting Monday, its forces would support Project Freedom with guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members. Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, emphasized the importance of this mission, stating, "Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade." As of April 29, more than 900 commercial vessels were located in the Gulf, according to maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine. At the start of the conflict, there were more than 1,100 vessels.
