US Military Escorts Stranded Ships Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Iranian Closure

President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will begin guiding stranded commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz starting today, amid an ongoing naval blockade aimed at pressuring Iran. The operation involves more than 100 aircraft and 15,000 personnel, as stated by the US military, and targets vessels trapped due to Iran's repeated closures of the vital waterway. According to Bloomberg reports, this move comes as the US seeks to reopen passage for non-Iranian ships while maintaining enforcement against those bound for or departing Iranian ports.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint through which about 20% of the world's oil flows, has been a flashpoint since the US imposed its blockade on April 13, 2026, following the collapse of the Islamabad Talks. Iran initially reopened commercial passage on April 17 during a truce linked to conflicts in Lebanon, but reversed course on April 18 after the US refused to lift its measures. By that point, the US had intercepted 23 vessels, according to Wikipedia's detailed timeline of the blockade, leaving dozens of ships stranded and threatening global energy supplies.

Trump's pledge escalates tensions, with the president warning of new strikes if Iran "misbehaves," as reported by The Independent. Tehran has labeled any US military presence in the strait a violation of the fragile two-week ceasefire in the broader 2026 Iran war. BBC coverage highlights the scale of the US effort, positioning it as a direct challenge to Iran's control, while Bloomberg audio updates note discussions on intensifying pressure on Iran's oil exports through advisor Scott Bessent.

This development affects shipping companies, oil markets, and nations reliant on Gulf imports, potentially spiking energy prices if disruptions persist. Stranded vessels, many carrying critical commodities, face delays that could last weeks without US escorts. The operation underscores the US strategy to isolate Iran economically without fully closing the strait to international traffic.

What happens next remains uncertain, as Iran has vowed to respond to perceived ceasefire breaches. Trump has dismissed further negotiations, stating he "no longer cared" about talks after Islamabad's failure. Military sources indicate the guiding missions will proceed immediately, but analysts cited in Straits Times describe ongoing "positive discussions" with Iran—though no breakthroughs are confirmed. Global observers watch closely, as escalation could draw in regional powers and further destabilize oil-dependent economies.