US to start guiding ships through Strait of Hormuz

• Strait of Hormuz: The US military will begin guiding ships through the oil trade chokepoint today, though a US official said the initiative is not an escort mission. Top Iranian official Ebrahim Azizi warned the plan is a violation of the ceasefire.

• State of negotiations: President Donald Trump said his representatives “are having very positive discussions” with Iran. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said Tehran is reviewing the US reply to its latest peace proposal.

• Tanker struck: 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.

Shipping executives are expressing caution over Project Freedom, the US operation starting Monday to guide trapped neutral ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

“It takes both sides to unblock — not just one,” said Bjørn Højgaard, CEO of ship manager Anglo-Eastern. “Either party can signal that they are willing to let certain ships through, but unless the other side accepts that in practice, it doesn’t materially change the reality on the water.”