explainer
President Trump ordered a new Hormuz mission after Iran announced it had received a U.S. response to its peace proposal.
Published May 4, 2026
US President Donald Trump announced a naval mission called “Project Freedom” to help navigate ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, which is under de facto blockade by Iran. According to the US president, the operation will begin on Monday.
Days after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, Iran seized control of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
Despite President Trump’s announcement, oil prices failed to ease as international benchmark Brent crude oil was nearly flat on Monday morning.
In response to President Trump, top Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi said any US intervention in the strait would be considered a violation of the ceasefire.
Here’s what we know as the conflict enters its 66th day:
in iran
In response to President Trump’s new naval operation, the Iranian military said on Monday that “if foreign forces, especially aggressive US forces, try to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz, they will be attacked.” On Sunday, Iran announced it had received a U.S. response to its latest offer for peace talks, after President Trump said Tehran’s offer was “unacceptable.” Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghai said on Monday that US allies in the region recognize that the US and Israel’s war against Iran is not legal, but rather a “unilateral measure” that violates international law.
diplomacy
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had a telephone conversation to discuss the “regional situation” and “Pakistan’s continued diplomatic efforts towards peace and stability in the region,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on social media. After President Trump accused NATO allies of not doing enough to support the United States in its war against Iran, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Monday that European countries: They “got the message” and are now ensuring that the agreement on the use of military bases is implemented. The leaders of Australia and Japan have agreed to step up cooperation in energy and critical minerals as the Iran war disrupts global trade.
in the US
in lebanon
Israel attacked at least eight locations in southern Lebanon. Our colleagues at Al Jazeera Arabic report that Israel has attacked Deba’al, Qana, Surifa, and Qawiyah, as well as Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, Thurin, Shehor, and Brachit. The attack happened after Israeli forces ordered residents to flee their homes.
Overnight, Israeli forces also dropped flares over Brachit and shelled the outskirts of the towns of Safad el-Batik, Yatel, Majdel Serm and Chaitiyeh, the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) said.
