Trump Signals Possible Relaunch of 'Project Freedom' Amid Ongoing Iran Tensions
US President Donald Trump indicates potential expansion of naval operation in Strait of Hormuz as diplomatic efforts falter.
US President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of reviving his "Project Freedom" initiative in the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump emphasized that Washington will continue pressuring Tehran until a deal is reached, claiming that Iran would eventually 'surrender'.
Trump highlighted that Iran lacks the capability to independently manage its nuclear stockpile and stated that Iranian negotiators have acknowledged their need for US assistance in this regard.
He indicated that if "Project Freedom" were to be resumed, it would extend beyond merely escorting commercial vessels through the Strait.
The operation was initially launched last week to aid stranded ships in the critical waterway before being suspended approximately 48 hours later to allow room for diplomatic efforts.
Trump criticized Iran's response to a US peace plan as a "stupid proposal" and described the ceasefire as being on 'life support'.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Iranian parliamentary speaker who served as chief negotiator in previous talks with Washington, stated that Iran is prepared for any eventuality.
He emphasized that the country's armed forces are ready to respond to aggression.
Oil prices surged on Monday following Trump's rejection of Iran's response, fueling concerns about the prolonged conflict and its impact on shipping through the Strait.
Iranian state media reported Tehran's demand for compensation for war damages while reaffirming its sovereignty over the strategic waterway.
Additionally, Iranian authorities called for an end to the US naval blockade, halting further attacks, lifting sanctions, and removing restrictions on Iranian oil exports.
Trump dismissed Iran's proposal as 'totally unacceptable', without providing further details.
The US had proposed a ceasefire before engaging in negotiations on more contentious issues such as Iran's nuclear program.
The ongoing tensions have heightened concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has been limiting maritime traffic and establishing a payment mechanism for tolls.
US officials have deemed it "unacceptable" for Tehran to control this international waterway.
Ebrahim Rezaei, the spokesman for the Iranian parliament's national security commission, warned that Iran's restraint is over and any attack on its vessels would trigger a strong and decisive response against American ships and bases.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump emphasized that Washington will continue pressuring Tehran until a deal is reached, claiming that Iran would eventually 'surrender'.
Trump highlighted that Iran lacks the capability to independently manage its nuclear stockpile and stated that Iranian negotiators have acknowledged their need for US assistance in this regard.
He indicated that if "Project Freedom" were to be resumed, it would extend beyond merely escorting commercial vessels through the Strait.
The operation was initially launched last week to aid stranded ships in the critical waterway before being suspended approximately 48 hours later to allow room for diplomatic efforts.
Trump criticized Iran's response to a US peace plan as a "stupid proposal" and described the ceasefire as being on 'life support'.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Iranian parliamentary speaker who served as chief negotiator in previous talks with Washington, stated that Iran is prepared for any eventuality.
He emphasized that the country's armed forces are ready to respond to aggression.
Oil prices surged on Monday following Trump's rejection of Iran's response, fueling concerns about the prolonged conflict and its impact on shipping through the Strait.
Iranian state media reported Tehran's demand for compensation for war damages while reaffirming its sovereignty over the strategic waterway.
Additionally, Iranian authorities called for an end to the US naval blockade, halting further attacks, lifting sanctions, and removing restrictions on Iranian oil exports.
Trump dismissed Iran's proposal as 'totally unacceptable', without providing further details.
The US had proposed a ceasefire before engaging in negotiations on more contentious issues such as Iran's nuclear program.
The ongoing tensions have heightened concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has been limiting maritime traffic and establishing a payment mechanism for tolls.
US officials have deemed it "unacceptable" for Tehran to control this international waterway.
Ebrahim Rezaei, the spokesman for the Iranian parliament's national security commission, warned that Iran's restraint is over and any attack on its vessels would trigger a strong and decisive response against American ships and bases.