May 04 (V7N) - President Donald Trump said Sunday that “very positive discussions” were underway with Iran on finding a solution to the war, but confirmed that US forces will begin escorting ships out of the blocked Strait of Hormuz starting Monday.  

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei earlier revealed that Tehran had submitted a 14-point plan focused on ending the conflict, with Washington responding through Pakistani mediators. Trump wrote on Truth Social that talks “could lead to something very positive for all,” while stressing the need to act on maritime security.  

Since the war began on February 28, Iran has maintained a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global flows of oil, gas, and fertilizer. The US and Israel launched strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, prompting retaliatory attacks on US bases and Israeli targets. A ceasefire has been in place since April 8, with one round of direct peace talks held in Islamabad.  

Trump said “countries from all over the world” had requested American help to navigate the waterway. He described Project Freedom as a humanitarian gesture, noting that many stranded ships were running low on food and supplies.  

US Central Command confirmed that the mission will involve guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members. Admiral Brad Cooper said the operation was “essential to regional security and the global economy” while maintaining the naval blockade.  

Maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine reported that as of April 29, more than 900 commercial vessels remained in the Gulf, down from over 1,100 at the start of the conflict.  

END/WD/RH