President Donald Trump announced that the US is conducting 'very positive discussions' with Iran, as he outlined a plan for US forces to escort ships through the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
The new maritime operation, dubbed 'Project Freedom,' aims to safely escort ships and crews trapped in the blockade, which has been maintained by Iran since the US and Israel launched strikes on February 28.
Iran has maintained a stranglehold on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, choking off major flows of oil, gas, and fertilizer to the world economy.
The US has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports, and over 900 commercial vessels are currently located in the Gulf.
Trump's announcement comes as negotiations between the two countries have been deadlocked since a ceasefire came into effect on April 8.
Washington's European allies are concerned that the longer the strait remains closed, the more their economies will suffer.
