US President Donald Trump has announced that the US will begin guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains largely blocked by Iran, starting Monday. 

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said US forces will begin supporting Project Freedom from May 4, to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The US military support to Project Freedom will include guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members. 

"The mission, directed by the President, will support merchant vessels seeking to freely transit through the essential international trade corridor. A quarter of the world’s oil trade at sea and significant volumes of fuel and fertilizer products are transported through the strait," the CENTCOM said.

“Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade,” said Adm Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander.

Last week, the US Department of State announced a new initiative, in partnership with the Department of War, to enhance coordination and information sharing among international partners in support of maritime security in the strait. The Maritime Freedom Construct aims to combine diplomatic action with military coordination, which will be critical during Project Freedom, it said.

Meanwhile, top Iranian official Ebrahim Azizi warned the plan is a violation of the ceasefire.

Also, a vessel was reportedly hit by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre said. All crew were reported safe.

On the talks front, Trump said his representatives “are having very positive discussions” with Iran. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said Iran is reviewing the US reply to Tehran’s latest peace proposal.