Trump says US to help ships stranded in Strait of Hormuz as tanker hit by projectiles

DUBAI / DORAL, Florida — A tanker was reported hit by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to a maritime security organization, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would begin helping free ships stranded in the Gulf amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Trump provided limited details about the initiative, saying it would begin Monday and focus on assisting vessels and crews “locked up” in the critical waterway and running low on food and other essential supplies.

“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,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

The International Maritime Organization estimates that hundreds of vessels and as many as 20,000 seafarers have been unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it would support the operation with around 15,000 personnel, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, as well as warships and drones. The mission aims to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the strait, according to CENTCOM.

“Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade,” CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said in a statement.

Shortly after Trump’s announcement, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker had been struck by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz. All crew members were reported safe. The incident occurred about 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.

Iran has largely restricted shipping through the Gulf for more than two months, allowing passage primarily for its own vessels. The disruption has driven energy prices higher. Some ships attempting to transit the strait have reported coming under fire, and Iran has also seized several vessels. The United States last month imposed its own restrictions on ships departing Iranian ports.

The Trump administration has been working to build an international coalition to secure shipping in the strait. CENTCOM said the latest effort combines diplomatic action with military coordination.

It was not immediately clear which countries would participate in or benefit from the operation, and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Trump warned that any interference with the U.S.-led effort would be met with force.

Meanwhile, Iran said on Sunday it had received a U.S. response to its latest peace proposal, one day after Trump suggested he would likely reject it, saying Tehran had “not paid a big enough price.” Speaking to reporters, Trump said talks were “going very well” but did not provide details.

Iran reviewing U.S. response on peace proposal

Iranian state media reported that Washington delivered its response to Tehran’s 14-point proposal through Pakistan, and that Iranian officials were reviewing it. There was no immediate confirmation from either Washington or Islamabad.

“At this stage, we do not have nuclear negotiations,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, according to state media, referring to Tehran’s proposal to delay nuclear discussions until after the conflict and the lifting of shipping blockades.

Trump said Saturday he had not yet reviewed the full Iranian proposal but was inclined to reject it.

The United States and Israel paused their bombing campaign against Iran four weeks ago, and U.S. and Iranian officials have held one round of talks. However, attempts to schedule further negotiations have not yet succeeded.

Iran’s proposal versus U.S. demands

Iran’s proposal to postpone nuclear negotiations appears to conflict with Washington’s position that Tehran must first accept strict limits on its nuclear program before any end to hostilities.

The United States is demanding that Iran surrender its stockpile of more than 400 kilograms (900 pounds) of highly enriched uranium, which it says could be used for weapons development. Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful but has indicated willingness to discuss limitations in exchange for sanctions relief, similar to the 2015 agreement later abandoned by Trump.

Despite saying he is in no rush, Trump faces domestic pressure to resolve disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies that accounts for roughly 20% of worldwide oil and gas shipments. Rising fuel prices have become a political concern ahead of November midterm congressional elections.

Iranian media reported that its proposal includes the withdrawal of U.S. forces from nearby regions, lifting of blockades, release of frozen assets, compensation payments, sanctions relief, an end to regional conflicts including in Lebanon, and the creation of a new mechanism to manage shipping through the strait.

— Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Lincoln Feast / Reuters