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The Guardian World1 min read
Iran war: What’s happening on day 66 as Trump announces Hormuz mission?
TL;DR
President Trump has announced a naval mission named Project Freedom to assist stranded ships in the Strait of Hormuz, currently under Iranian control. The operation is set to begin on Monday amid ongoing tensions and a de facto blockade by Iran.
Key points
- Trump announced Project Freedom to assist stranded ships.
- The operation will start on Monday.
- Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions.
- One-fifth of global oil supplies pass through the strait.
- Oil prices remain flat despite the announcement.
Mentioned in this story
Donald TrumpEbrahim AziziStrait of Hormuz
United States President Donald Trump has announced a naval mission called Project Freedom to help navigate stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains under a de facto Iranian blockade. The operation will start on Monday, the US president says.
Iran took control of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass, days after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28.
Despite Trump’s announcement, oil prices have failed to ease as the international benchmark Brent crude was essentially flat on Monday morning.
In response to Trump, top Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi said any US interference in the strait would be considered a violation of the ceasefire.
Here is what we know as the conflict enters day 66:
In Iran
- Responding to Trump’s new naval operation, Iran’s military said on Monday: “Any foreign armed force, especially the aggressive US Army, will be attacked if they attempt to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz.”
- On Sunday, Iran said it received a US response to its latest offer for peace talks after Trump called Tehran’s proposal “unacceptable”.
- Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that US allies in the region are aware the US-Israeli war on Iran is not legal but rather a “unilateral step” that goes against international law.
Diplomacy
- Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, have discussed the “regional situation” and “Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region” in a phone call, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on social media..
- After Trump accused NATO allies of not doing enough to support the US in the war on Iran, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Monday that European nations have “gotten the message” and are now ensuring that agreements on the use of military bases are being implemented.
Q&A
What is Project Freedom announced by Trump?
Project Freedom is a naval mission aimed at helping navigate stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz significant?
The Strait of Hormuz is crucial as it facilitates the passage of one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
What did Iran say about US interference in the Strait of Hormuz?
Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi stated that any US interference would be viewed as a violation of the ceasefire.
How have oil prices reacted to Trump's announcement?
Despite Trump's announcement of Project Freedom, oil prices have remained flat and have not eased.
