U.S. to Guide Stranded Ships Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions
The United States, under President Trump's directive, is set to guide stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy chokepoint, starting Monday. This move comes as a UK- and France-led coalition has delayed plans to secure safe passage through the waterway, increasing pressure on the U.S. to act. The operation, dubbed 'Project Freedom,' involves deploying 15,000 personnel, guided-missile destroyers, and over 100 aircraft. The initiative aims to alleviate the plight of approximately 20,000 sailors stranded in the Gulf due to disruptions caused by Iran's restrictions following a conflict outbreak. 
