Iran war: What’s happening on day 66 as Trump announces Hormuz mission?

On day 66 of the Iran war, US President Donald Trump announced "Project Freedom," a naval mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blockaded. This action follows Iran's claim to have received a US response to its peace proposal, which Trump had previously deemed unacceptable. Iran's military warned that any US interference in the strait would be considered a violation of the ceasefire and result in an attack. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with Pakistan discussing regional stability and NATO allies assuring increased support for the US. Australia and Japan are also enhancing cooperation due to trade disruptions caused by the conflict.

Tensions are escalating in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran warns it will attack US forces if they interfere with Iranian operations there. This comes after President Trump stated the US Navy would "guide" stranded ships through the strait, asserting that any interference would be "dealt with forcefully." The Iranian military has vowed a "harsh response" to any threats. Meanwhile, the IDF has launched airstrikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, following evacuation warnings for four villages. A ceasefire in Lebanon, initiated on April 17th at the US's request, aimed to prevent disruption to peace talks with Iran.

US President Donald Trump has launched "Project Freedom," a naval mission to escort stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz, with operations commencing imminently. Iran has responded by warning that any US intervention in the strait will be viewed as a violation of the existing ceasefire. This development follows Trump's announcement of the initiative to aid vessels facing difficulties in the strategic waterway. The Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi articulated this stance, indicating a potential escalation of tensions. The mission's immediate start suggests a rapid response to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has warned the United States Navy to stay out of the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump announced "Project Freedom," a US initiative to guide stranded ships through the waterway. Iran's military stated that US forces will be attacked if they enter the strait and advised commercial vessels to coordinate with Iran. Trump claimed the operation was requested by countries with stranded ships, citing humanitarian concerns and the need to ensure free passage. US Central Command confirmed its support for the mission, involving significant military personnel and assets. Iran views any US intervention as a violation of a recent ceasefire.

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will initiate a naval mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This decision comes in response to escalating tensions and potential threats to maritime traffic in the strategically vital waterway. The mission aims to ensure the safe passage of vessels navigating the strait, which is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. While the exact timing of the mission's commencement was not specified, the announcement signals a significant US commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in the region. The initiative is intended to deter any actions that could disrupt international trade and to reassure allies and commercial operators of continued security.

Oil prices remained largely unchanged following President Trump's announcement of "Project Freedom," a US operation aimed at assisting stranded vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures showed minimal movement as traders expressed skepticism about the plan's effectiveness in resolving significant energy disruptions. Trump offered limited details on the operation, which the US Central Command stated would involve extensive military assets to "support" vessels, but did not explicitly mention naval escorts. Senior Iranian officials indicated non-cooperation, warning that US interference would violate the existing truce. The announcement comes amid reports of attacks on a tanker and a bulk carrier off the coast of the UAE and Iran, respectively.

Iran has reportedly received a response from the United States to its latest peace proposal, according to Iranian state-linked media. The response was delivered through Pakistan and is currently under review by Iran's foreign ministry. While the US has not yet officially confirmed sending a reply, President Trump had previously stated he would review Iran's plan, expressing skepticism about its acceptability. Iran's 14-point proposal, as reported by its state media, includes demands for US troop withdrawal from near its borders, an end to its naval blockade, and a cessation of hostilities, including Israeli actions in Lebanon. The plan reportedly calls for an agreement within 30 days and a focus on ending the conflict.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated he remains committed to working with US President Donald Trump and on the transatlantic relationship, despite recent disagreements over the war in Iran. Merz downplayed tensions, suggesting the US troop withdrawal from Germany was not retaliatory and was not linked to their differing views on Iran. He also indicated a planned deployment of US Tomahawk missiles to Germany is currently on hold due to depleted arsenals from conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Despite criticizing the US approach to the Iran war, Merz affirmed a shared goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Merz acknowledged Trump respects differing views, though perhaps less so currently.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated he accepts differing views with US President Donald Trump to maintain cooperation within NATO, emphasizing no link between their recent dispute and the announced US troop drawdown from Germany. Merz dismissed suggestions that his criticism of US war planning in Iran, which led Trump to call him "ineffectual," prompted Washington's decision to reduce its military presence by 5,000 soldiers from its largest European base. He reiterated Germany's commitment to the transatlantic alliance, noting Trump's long-standing calls for European security responsibility. The drawdown also appears to cancel a Biden-era plan to deploy US Tomahawk missiles to Germany, a move Berlin had sought as a deterrent against Russia. Merz indicated the US likely wouldn't abandon such weapons systems due to their own current shortages.

A cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz reported an attack by multiple small craft on Sunday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre. The incident occurred off Sirik, Iran, east of the strait, with all crew members reported safe. This marks the latest in a series of attacks in the region since the start of the Iran war, with at least two dozen reported. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Iranian officials maintain control over the strait and suggest passage for non-US or Israeli affiliated ships is possible with a toll. The threat level in the area remains critical, with Tehran having effectively closed the strait through attacks and threats against shipping.

A bulk carrier was attacked by multiple small craft off the coast of Iran, approximately 11 nautical miles west of Sirik, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred near the Strait of Hormuz. The UKMTO reported that all crew members aboard the unidentified northbound vessel are safe and that no environmental impact has been reported. This event takes place amid heightened tensions in the region, with the Strait of Hormuz being a critical global shipping route. The US Central Command also stated it has redirected 49 commercial vessels to comply with its blockade on Iranian ports.

US President Donald Trump announced he will soon review a 14-point plan submitted by Iran. The plan reportedly calls for non-aggression guarantees, the removal of a naval blockade, and an end to conflict on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Trump expressed skepticism about his ability to reach a deal with Iran. This development occurs as Israel is reportedly conducting strikes in Lebanon. The article does not specify the exact date of the strikes or the full content of Iran's proposal beyond these key points.

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will launch "Project Freedom" on Monday to help free ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a humanitarian gesture. The operation aims to address ships running low on supplies due to the ongoing blockade. Trump warned that any interference with this effort would be met with a forceful response. The initiative comes amid soaring oil prices and public discontent with the war, which has impacted Trump's approval ratings. It remains unclear if this operation will involve coordination with Iran or if it risks disrupting the fragile ceasefire.

Iran has threatened "long and painful strikes" on US positions in the Gulf if Washington renews attacks, while maintaining its claim to the Strait of Hormuz. The strait has been closed for two months due to the US-Israel war on Iran, disrupting 20% of global oil and gas supplies and causing energy prices to surge. Despite a ceasefire in place since April 8, Iran continues to block the strait in retaliation for a US naval blockade of its ports, which prevents oil exports. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman defended the closure as a legitimate defense of its rights under international law and accused the US of exploiting the waterway. Regional countries, including the UAE and Bahrain, have expressed concerns and taken measures against travel to Iran.

On day 63 of heightened tensions, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the US naval siege of Iranian ports as "intolerable," while US President Donald Trump indicated a potential resumption of war. Air defenses were activated in Tehran to counter small aircraft and drones. Analysts suggest Iran is prepared for the blockade due to stockpiled oil and a large domestic market, having endured harsher sanctions previously. Despite US pressure tactics, a diplomatic impasse is likely, though international pressure may push for negotiations. The US also urged a meeting between Israeli and Lebanese leaders following Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, and Trump is considering troop reductions in Italy and Spain due to their opposition to the Iran war.

President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain, following a similar statement regarding Germany. Trump cited a lack of assistance from these NATO allies, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Italy's defense minister rejected the accusations, stating Rome has offered maritime security cooperation. Spain has maintained a stance of cooperation within international law and has opposed US actions related to Iran. The US has approximately 13,000 military personnel stationed in Italy across seven naval bases.