US President Donald Trump has announced the launch of Operation Freedom, a humanitarian-military operation aimed at safely transporting hundreds of ships and about 20,000 sailors blocked by Iran through the Strait of Hormuz. The operation will involve guided-missile cruisers, more than 100 aircraft, and 15,000 troops. Trump has warned that any interference will be met with force, while Tehran has already described the operation as a violation of the ceasefire.
The situation has escalated amid new attacks in the strait, where two ships were shot down and hit by unidentified missiles on Sunday. As the US continues its naval blockade of Iran, depriving it of oil revenues, Tehran is reviewing Washington’s response to its 14-point proposal to end the war. Although negotiations between the parties, mediated by Pakistan, are continuing, Iran has stated that it has no intention of giving up its position on control of the strait.
