President announces humanitarian effort to guide neutral vessels out of restricted waters following global appeals and rising security concerns in key shipping corridor
President Donald Trump said on May 3 that U.S. forces will begin efforts Monday morning to “help free up” ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump stated that countries around the world had requested U.S. assistance in moving the trapped vessels.
“They are merely neutral and innocent bystanders!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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 added on Sunday that the vessels receiving assistance are “not in any way involved” in the Middle East conflict and described the mission as a “humanitarian gesture.”
“I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait,” Trump said.
“In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else.”
Trump did not specify whether the U.S. Navy would take part in the operation.
The announcement came hours after United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that a bulk carrier had been attacked by multiple small craft while transiting toward the Strait of Hormuz near Iran on Sunday.
All crew members were reported safe following the incident, with no environmental damage or pollution recorded.
