President Donald Trump announced a new initiative called Project Freedom aimed at helping international ships pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions with Iran. In a social media post, Trump said the effort would begin Monday morning Middle East time, describing it as a response to requests from neutral countries whose vessels have been unable to transit the strategic waterway.

Iran responded with a warning that any foreign military forces approaching the strait would face attack, asserting that regional security remains under its control. The United States Central Command said the operation would involve 15,000 service members, guided missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, and unmanned platforms to support maritime security.

Meanwhile, Pakistan announced that a seized Iranian flagged cargo ship would be returned as a confidence building measure. Twenty two crew members were flown to Pakistan and will be handed over to Iranian authorities, with the vessel set to be returned to its owners after repairs, as part of coordinated efforts to ease tensions and encourage diplomacy.