US to Help Free Ships Trapped in Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has stated that the United States will begin helping to free ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Israel war against Iran. He made this announcement after a tanker was reported to have been struck by an unknown projectile in this vital waterway.

It remains unclear which countries will be assisted by the US operation or how it will be conducted.

Trump provided few details about the plan to help the ships and their crews, which have been “trapped” in the Strait of Hormuz and are short of food and other supplies.

“We have informed these countries that we will guide their ships safely out of this restricted waterway, so they can freely and capably continue their business,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday (3 May) local time, as reported by AFP news agency on Monday (4 May 2026).

According to the International Maritime Organisation, hundreds of ships and as many as 20,000 seafarers have been unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz during the US-Israel war against Iran.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it would support the effort with 15,000 military personnel, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, as well as warships and drones.

“Our support for this defence mission is vital for regional security and the global economy, as we also maintain the naval blockade,” said Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, in a statement.

Iran has blockaded almost all shipments from the Gulf except its own for more than two months, causing oil prices to soar.

Several ships attempting to cross the strait have reported being fired upon, and Iran has seized some other vessels. Last month, the US imposed its own blockade on ships from Iranian ports.

The Trump administration has requested assistance from other countries to form an international coalition to secure shipping in the strait. CENTCOM said the latest effort would combine “diplomatic action with military coordination.”