Seoul, May 7: President Donald Trump recently launched Project Freedom to facilitate the transit of ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. However, U.S. media reports indicate that nearly 1,600 vessels remain trapped, and the initiative lasted only 48 hours.
According to CNN, approximately 1,600 ships are still stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, leaving shipping companies in a costly and precarious situation. They have been seeking a way out for over two months.
Trump’s operation to guide ships through the strait was short-lived, successfully assisting only two vessels. Companies are now hesitant to risk transit alone, as releasing the ships poses threats to both cargo and personnel.
Recently, an explosion on a South Korean vessel raised alarms, with Trump claiming it was an attack from Iran. However, Iran has officially denied any involvement in the incident.
The Iranian embassy in South Korea issued a statement rejecting allegations of Iranian military involvement in the incident involving the Korean ship. It emphasized, “The Islamic Republic of Iran completely denies any accusations regarding its military’s involvement in the damage to a Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.” The statement also highlighted that since the U.S. and Israeli governments have taken aggressive actions against Iran, the country has repeatedly stressed that its security in the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for countering aggressors and their supporters.
The Iranian embassy further noted that navigation in this vital waterway is affected by the changing security situation, which differs from previous conditions due to rising tensions from hostile forces and their allies. Therefore, adhering to established rules for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, paying attention to issued warnings, following designated routes, and coordinating with Iranian authorities is essential.
The embassy concluded, “It is clear that in such circumstances, ignoring the stated needs and operational realities in a military and security-stressed environment can lead to unintended incidents. The responsibility for such outcomes lies with those parties who engage in transit or activities in the area without heeding these considerations.”
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