U.S. President Donald Trump has begun considering resuming "Project Freedom," a ship rescue operation in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump likened the current truce to a patient on their deathbed, suggesting the United States could raise military pressure on Iran at any time.
According to major outlets including the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and CNBC on the 11th (local time), Trump told reporters at a White House event that day that the response sent by the Iranian government was "unacceptable." Iran is said to have sent a proposal focusing on lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz while postponing decisions on its nuclear program. Trump referred to the Iranian documents as "garbage papers," expressing strong displeasure.
In particular, Trump called the current truce "an unbelievably weak condition," emphasizing that it is "relying on massive life support." He added, "It's like a situation where a doctor comes in and says there's a 1% chance." This suggests that the truce, which has lasted a little over a month, has effectively lost momentum and that the United States is ready to resume attacks at any time.
The United States appears to be combining diplomatic pressure with military threats. The Pentagon unusually disclosed the same day that an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine armed with nuclear weapons had arrived in Gibraltar. Trump's mention of reviving Project Freedom to rescue ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz is seen in the same context. As Iran showed a hard-line stance—refusing to dismantle underground nuclear facilities and demanding a shorter suspension period for uranium enrichment—the United States pulled out the show-of-force card.
The international community fears tensions in the Middle East will again reach a peak due to this situation. Even during the truce, sporadic attacks continued around the Strait of Hormuz, and experts said that if the United States resumes the ship rescue operation, it could trigger a return to all-out war. Iran continues to insist its response is "a generous and responsible reply," suggesting that, for the time being, a hardline standoff is more likely than a settled peace.