US President Donald Trump said Sunday Washington was holding “very positive discussions” with Iran amid rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
He announced a naval initiative called “Project Freedom,” aimed at escorting stranded commercial vessels through the blocked waterway starting Monday.
Trump described the mission as humanitarian, citing concerns that ship crews trapped in the strait may be running dangerously low on essential supplies.
In a statement, he said US forces would use their best efforts to guide ships safely, while warning they would not return until navigation conditions improve.
Iran has controlled the strategic strait since late February, following US and Israeli strikes, triggering retaliatory attacks across Israel and Gulf states.
Tehran has also proposed a 14-point plan to end the war, though US officials have not publicly engaged with its details.
Iranian spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed the proposal remains under review, signalling cautious diplomacy amid a fragile ceasefire reached on April 8.
Maritime data indicates over 900 commercial vessels remain in the Gulf, highlighting the scale of disruption to global trade and energy supplies.
The blockade has driven oil prices roughly 50 percent higher, intensifying economic concerns among European allies dependent on stable energy flows.
Germany urged Iran to reopen the strait immediately, linking maritime access to broader demands for verifiable nuclear restraint and diplomatic resolution.
US officials warned that any interference with the escort operation would prompt a forceful response, raising fears of renewed military escalation.
Meanwhile, Iranian figures issued stark threats, warning of direct confrontation and framing US actions as aggression in an already volatile regional conflict.