Trump announces Hormuz rescue mission for stranded ships

The U.S. Navy is preparing to escort ships out of the Strait of Hormuz after weeks of disruption to normal shipping routes.

By World Israel News Staff

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday the launch of a major naval operation aimed at freeing hundreds of vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. The ships have been stuck in the area for some two months, following the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran.

After the start of the conflict, Iran swiftly imposed a naval blockade on the vital maritime passage. The strait is a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments, as well as the transport of fertilizer, helium and other materials essential to industries ranging from energy to semiconductor manufacturing.

Although the passage lies in international waters, Iran has repeatedly fired on vessels transiting the area in what it describes as retaliatory measures tied to the war.

An estimated 2,000 ships carrying approximately 20,000 seafarers are believed to be stranded in or near the passage, fearing potential Iranian attacks if they attempt to resume their journeys.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the U.S. Navy would begin escorting the vessels to ensure the safety of both ships and crews.

He warned that “many of these ships are running low on food and other necessities required for large crews to remain onboard in healthy and sanitary conditions.”

The president emphasized that the vessels are “neutral and innocent bystanders” caught in the crossfire of a broader international conflict.

“These are ships from parts of the world that are not involved in what is currently taking place in the Middle East,” he added.

“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 they can freely and ably continue their business,” Trump wrote.

Trump also issued a warning to Tehran, stating that any attempt to disrupt the evacuation effort would prompt a forceful response.

He urged Iran to “show goodwill” by allowing safe passage, but cautioned that any “interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.”