U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at a more aggressive military campaign, dubbed 'Project Freedom Plus,' should Iran fail to respond to a peace proposal to end the ongoing war. The warning came as clashes in the Strait of Hormuz threatened to shatter a fragile month-long ceasefire.
Trump's Ultimatum
Speaking at the White House late Friday, Trump said he expected a response from Tehran 'tonight.' When asked if Iran was deliberately delaying, he replied, 'We'll find out soon enough.' He added, 'We'll go a different route if everything doesn't get signed up, buttoned up. We may go back to Project Freedom if things don't happen, but it'll be Project Freedom Plus, meaning Project Freedom plus other things.'
Iran's Response Under Review
Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei told the semi-official Tasnim news agency that Tehran's response is 'under review,' without providing a timeline. The one-page U.S. proposal, sent on Wednesday, calls for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. ending its blockade on Iranian ports over the next month. Acceptance would effectively end the 10-week war, which has killed thousands across the Middle East and driven energy prices higher, though negotiations over Iran's nuclear program would still be required.
Escalating Clashes
Tensions have escalated with a second day of clashes in the strait. U.S. Central Command reported that American forces carried out airstrikes on two empty Iranian oil tankers attempting to break the blockade and enter an Iranian port. The strikes aim to enforce the U.S. blockade and pressure Iran to negotiate.
Global and Domestic Pressure
Trump faces mounting domestic and international pressure to end the war. Americans are increasingly opposed to the conflict, frustrated by soaring gasoline prices. Global benchmark Brent crude settled around US$101 a barrel, though it still posted a weekly drop of about 6%. China, among other powers, has called for an immediate reopening of the strait and an end to hostilities, ahead of a scheduled summit between President Xi Jinping and Trump in Beijing next week.
Diplomatic Efforts
U.S. Vice-President JD Vance met with the Qatari prime minister on Friday to discuss bilateral relations, the situation in Iran, and regional security. The pair also discussed liquefied natural gas markets, according to a source familiar with the matter. Qatar has served as a regional mediator between the U.S. and Iran. Axios first reported the meeting.
The White House and vice president's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. As the standoff continues, the world watches for Iran's next move, with the prospect of 'Project Freedom Plus' looming if diplomacy fails.
