Trump Announces Project Freedom to Escort Ships from Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Trump announced a naval mission called Project Freedom to escort ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. He described the effort as aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the waterway. Trump also stated that U.S. representatives are having positive discussions with Iran.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed support for the mission. Graham stated that Iran’s last offer to end the conflict was absurd and that it is time to respond forcefully if necessary. He posted on X that the strait has been locked down by Iranian actions.

Repairs and Proposals Iran’s Housing

Foundation reported repairing about 37,000 houses and commercial buildings damaged in the conflict with the U.S. and Israel, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency. The Iranian Red Crescent Society stated that more than 125,000 civilian structures have been destroyed or severely damaged.

The society also reported that 339 medical centers, including hospitals and clinics, were hit in attacks. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described a 14-point proposal sent to the U.S. as focused on ending the war in two phases.

The first phase involves reaching an agreement to end the conflict, while the second phase, within 30 days, addresses implementation. Baghaei stated that Iran’s guarantees come from its own power and leverage, and the 30-day period is not a deadline or ultimatum.

A draft law would permanently ban Israeli vessels and deny transit to nations allied with the U.S. in the conflict.

and Incidents German Chancellor Friedrich

Merz stated that the U.S. will not station Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany for the time being. Merz told ARD public broadcaster that the U.S. lacks sufficient missiles currently. He noted that the missiles were promised in 2024 to strengthen Germany’s deterrent until Europe develops its own systems.

Merz described the announced withdrawal of more than 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany as not new, stating the contingent was temporary and discussions on withdrawal had been ongoing. He denied any connection to his criticism of the U.S. actions in the Iran conflict and affirmed continued cooperation with President Trump.

Merz also stated that U.S. commitment to nuclear deterrence in NATO remains unchanged. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported a tanker off the UAE’s Fujairah coast was hit by unknown projectiles. All crew were safe, with no environmental impact.

Earlier, the agency reported a bulk carrier attacked by multiple small craft off the Iranian coast near Sirik.

Corps specialist Jonathan Hackett stated that the U.S. Navy lacks sufficient assets to escort hundreds of stranded ships. Hackett told Al Jazeera there are only about 12 suitable Navy vessels. He noted that before the conflict, over 100 transits occurred daily through the strait.

Hackett identified risks from sea mines, stating the U.S. retired its mine-sweeping vessels last year. He also said Iran retains dozens or hundreds of small fast-attack boats capable of harassing vessels. Hackett questioned whether insurance companies would allow transits even if passage is deemed safe.