Trump announces 'Project Freedom', escorting ships through Hormuz — Iran 'reviewing' US response to 14-point proposal to end war

US President Donald Trump said late on Sunday (Monday in Asia, May 4, 2026), that the US military will start escorting ships stranded in the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, as a humanitarian gesture.

In a social media post, the US president stated: "This is a Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran. Many of these Ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner."

Iran has maintained a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz since the war began, choking off major flows of oil, gas and fertiliser to the world economy, while the United States has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports.

Iran, meanwhile, has received the US response to its 14-point plan to end the war, according to the foreign affairs ministry.

Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the response received through Pakistan and is being "reviewed".

He added that Iran’s plan was exclusively tied to ending the war, with no nuclear negotiations at this stage.

The plan, sent via mediators, prioritises de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while pushing the more contentious nuclear issue to later stages — an approach that highlights the continuing divide between Washington and Tehran.

Reports indicate that Iran's 3-stage proposal to ending the war calls for a permanent ceasefire within 30 days, a mutual non-aggression pledge, including Israel and regional actors, a gradual reopening Hormuz, phased lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports and Iran to take responsibility for clearing sea mines

"Countries from all over the World, almost all of which are not involved in the Middle Eastern dispute going on so visibly, and violently, for all to see, have asked the United States if we could help free up their Ships, which are locked up in the Strait of Hormuz, on something which they have absolutely nothing to do with — They are merely neutral and innocent bystanders!

"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 that they can freely and ably get on with their business.

"Again, these are Ships from areas of the World that are not in any way involved with that which is currently taking place in the Middle East.

"I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait.

"In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else.

"This process, Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning, Middle East time. I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all.

"The Ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong — They are victims of circumstance.

"This is a Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran. Many of these Ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner.

"I think it would go a long way in showing Goodwill on behalf of all of those who have been fighting so strenuously over the last number of months.

"If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully. Thank you for your attention to this matter!