US President Trump escalates tensions with Iran over Hormuz Strait

US Military Deploys Plan to Guide Ships Through Strait of Hormuz

The US military has begun implementing a plan to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran. The plan, dubbed Project Freedom, aims to facilitate safe passage for vessels through the strategic shipping lane.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the plan was put into action on Monday, with two US merchant vessels successfully navigating the strait. However, ship-tracking websites indicate that traffic through the waterway remains largely suspended.

Admiral Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM, stated in a statement that the plan is intended to help guide ships safely through the narrow trade corridor. “Over the last 12 hours, we’ve reached out to dozens of ships and shipping companies to encourage traffic flow through the [Strait of Hormuz],” he said.

Iran, however, claims full control over the waterway, with its official news agency IRNA citing a military source as saying that US claims of sinking Iranian warships are false. The country has renewed its attacks on neighboring countries, including the UAE, which reported engaging 12 ballistic missiles and three cruise missiles.

The US has warned Iran that it would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if it attacked US ships in the region. President Donald Trump stated that the US military has more advanced equipment and capabilities than before, and is prepared to use them if necessary.

Meanwhile, global energy prices have continued to rise due to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, with the price of oil internationally and petrol in the US reaching new highs. The UAE Defence Ministry reported an Iranian attack causing a fire on one of its vessels off the coast of Fujairah.

Source: Al Jazeera