TEHRAN – Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation (PMO) announced on Thursday its full readiness to offer comprehensive maritime, technical, and medical assistance to commercial ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters. This initiative, declared on May 7, 2026, aims to bolster maritime safety and improve vessel seaworthiness in one of the world's most critical shipping lanes.
The announcement follows a significant development a day earlier, when US President Donald Trump declared a temporary halt to 'Project Freedom.' This US initiative was designed to assist commercial vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amidst heightened regional tensions.
Ensuring Safe Passage in Critical Waters
The Iranian maritime authority emphasized that its offer of support is a testament to its commitment to ensuring safe and sustainable maritime traffic. Services available to vessels include provisions, fuel supply, medical assistance, health services, and access to authorized repair-related materials as needed.
The PMO has begun formally transmitting this message through maritime communication channels of Iranian ports. It is intended for all vessels operating in the region, particularly those near Iranian territorial waters and anchorages. The message will be broadcast three times daily for three consecutive days via maritime communication networks and VHF systems.
Ship masters and owners are instructed to contact Vessel Traffic Service centers at the nearest Iranian ports or use VHF channel 16 through local representatives to request services and communicate operational needs.
Context of US Peace Proposal and Project Freedom
This Iranian offer comes as Tehran actively reviews a US peace proposal. According to a Reuters report, this proposal could formally end ongoing conflicts, although key US demands regarding Iran's nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, cited by ISNA, indicated that Tehran would convey its response, with President Trump expressing belief that Iran desires an agreement.
Donald Trump's decision to pause 'Project Freedom' was communicated on Tuesday via Truth Social. He described the initiative as a means to guide commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which had been impacted by escalating regional tensions. The decision to pause, he stated, was made following requests from Pakistan and other mediating countries working to broker a peace deal between Washington and Tehran. Despite the pause, the naval blockade of Iran's ports reportedly remains in place.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, essential for global oil shipments. Iran's proactive stance in offering aid underscores its regulatory and sovereign responsibilities in this strategically vital maritime corridor.