Iran says safe passage through Strait of Hormuz possible after US pauses “Project Freedom”

Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is possible under “new procedures” following the pausing of a short-lived US military operation in the waterway, the Revolutionary Guards’ Navy said on Wednesday, according to Iranian media. This appears to be Iran’s first reaction to Washington suspending “Project Freedom,” an operation to help guide commercial ships through the strait, which has been under Iranian and US blockades during the course of the war. The US launched the mission on Sunday but halted it on Tuesday, citing progress in peace talks. The statement did not specify what the new procedures were, but thanked captains and ship owners stationed in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman for their cooperation regarding passage through the waterway “in accordance with Iran’s regulations.” Iran has claimed sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and announced plans to charge vessels for safe transit through the strategic waterway. Many world leaders have warned such a plan would be illegal under maritime law and set a dangerous precedent. Intransigence from Iran on this matter could threaten a renewed diplomatic push to end the war. The post Iran says safe passage through Strait of Hormuz possible after US pauses “Project Freedom” appeared first on Egypt Independent.