President Trump has said the US is to help free up ships out of the Persian Gulf, through the strait of Hormuz. It’s understood that the plan is for US warships to escort commercial shipping through the strait.
The US has been carrying out a naval blockade of the strait of Hormuz following the ceasefire in its war with Iran. The Iranians has closed the strait with attacks on shipping. The sea lane is critical to international trade because around a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies pass through it.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “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.”
He described the planned operation as a “humanitarian process” to help the crews of ships stuck in the Gulf by Iran’s closure of the strait and a US naval blockade.
Trump said that “If, in any way, this process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.”
Earlier, President Trump said he had reviewed and rejected Iran’s latest peace proposal, saying it was “not acceptable”.
Human rights groups inside Iran have accused the regime of carrying out widespread torture and execution. The BBC has been able to speak to some of those inside Iran.
Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Peter Bowes and Fergal Keane.
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