Trump Plans to Guide Ships Through Strait of Hormuz
President Trump announced a plan to free ships stuck in the Persian Gulf. The US and Iran have been at war for 10 weeks.
About 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping traffic has dropped over 90% since the war began.
Trump said the US would guide neutral ships out through the strait. The plan is called Project Freedom and was set to begin on Monday.
Trump warned that any Iranian interference would be met with force. He also signaled progress on talks with Iran to end the war.
US stock prices rose and oil prices fell after the announcement. But uncertainty about the war remains as Iran has not publicly responded.
Klear Note — The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman. About one-third of world's oil passes through it. When shipping stops, global oil prices rise and economies suffer.
Key Terms 4
- Strait of Hormuz Narrow sea passage between Iran and Oman used by oil tankers
- Persian Gulf Body of water bordered by Iran and Arab countries in the Middle East
- neutral ships Ships from countries not involved in the US-Iran war
- stock-index futures Early signals showing whether stock markets are likely to rise or fall