WASHINGTON(RAHNUMA): US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is considering relaunching his “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions with Iran continue over a proposed agreement aimed at ending months of conflict.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Washington would continue to pressure Tehran until a deal is reached, adding that Iran would eventually “surrender.”
He also claimed Iran lacks the capability to extract its nuclear stockpile independently and said Iranian negotiators had acknowledged they needed US assistance to do so.
Trump indicated that if resumed, Project Freedom would expand beyond escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The operation was launched last week to help free ships stranded in the vital waterway before being suspended about 48 hours later to allow space for diplomatic efforts.
Also on Monday, Trump called Iran’s response to a US peace plan a “stupid proposal.” He told reporters: “The ceasefire is on massive life support, where the doctor walks in and says, ‘Sir, your loved one has approximately a one percent chance of living.’”
Oil prices rose sharply on Monday after Trump swiftly rejected Iran’s response on Sunday evening, fueling concerns that the 10-week conflict could continue and prolong disruptions to shipping through the strait.
Iranian state media said Tehran had demanded compensation for war damages while reaffirming its sovereignty over the strategic waterway.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency also reported that Tehran called on Washington to end its naval blockade, halt further attacks, lift sanctions and remove restrictions on Iranian oil exports.
Trump dismissed the Iranian proposal in a post on Truth Social, calling it “totally unacceptable” without elaborating further.
The US had proposed pausing the fighting before entering negotiations on more contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
