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Iran has rejected the U.S. escort plan, calling it a counterproductive move. Foreign Minister Dar emphasizes that diplomacy remains the only viable way forward. Tehran is currently reviewing the U.S. response through mediators in Pakistan.
On Monday night, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that talks with the U.S. are progressing, thanks to Pakistan’s “kind efforts,” but warned Washington against further escalation amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. This statement follows new attacks in the Gulf region, where both the U.S. and Iran engaged in maritime confrontations, challenging a fragile ceasefire.
President Donald Trump recently announced a new initiative, dubbed “Project Freedom,” aimed at helping stranded ships pass through the critical Strait of Hormuz, which has been nearly closed since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Details about this effort remain limited, and it coincided with the expiration of a legal deadline for congressional approval of a war. Trump declared the conflict “terminated” and dismissed the deadline, though some lawmakers dispute this.
This move appears to be the first military attempt since last month’s ceasefire, intended to reopen the world’s most vital energy shipping route—an effort Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims requires its permission. The shipping insurance premiums have surged, and the U.S. Navy’s sea blockade of Iran’s trade has been viewed by Iran as an act of war.
Initial responses to Trump’s move seem to have been ineffective, with no significant increase in merchant traffic, and Iran has threatened retaliation for any escalation, including potential attacks on neighboring countries hosting U.S. personnel. Major shipping companies are cautious, awaiting a clear cessation of hostilities before attempting the crossing again.
Araghchi emphasized that military solutions are ineffective, and ongoing peace negotiations mediated by Pakistan are making progress. He warned both the U.S. and the UAE to avoid falling into a “quagmire” caused by malicious actors. He also dismissively referred to Project Freedom as “Project Deadlock,” criticizing its chances of success.
Meanwhile, U.S. military sources reported that two U.S.-flagged ships have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, supported by Navy guided-missile destroyers, although Iran denies any crossings have recently occurred. The Maersk vessel Alliance Fairfax exited the Gulf under U.S. escort on Monday. The commander of U.S. forces in the region claimed to have destroyed six small Iranian boats, an assertion Iran disputes. Admiral Brad Cooper urged Iranian forces to stay clear of U.S. military vessels during operations.
Iran released a map showing an expanded maritime control zone extending beyond the Strait, covering significant parts of the UAE coastline.
In diplomatic efforts, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi over the phone, discussing regional developments and Pakistan’s mediation efforts. Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s role, while Dar reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to dialogue, emphasizing diplomacy as the key to peace—a stance amid ongoing deadlock since the ceasefire of April 8.
Tensions remain high, with continued disruptions in oil, gas, and fertilizer supplies globally, as Iran’s blockade persists following U.S.-Israeli military actions. Pakistan continues to serve as an important diplomatic intermediary, hosting high-level discussions between the U.S. and Iran, although further negotiations are pending.
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