US moves to escort stranded ships from Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions

The United States is preparing to launch a major operation to guide stranded vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions linked to the Iran conflict disrupt one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. President Donald Trump says the initiative - dubbed “Project Freedom” - will deploy military assets to assist hundreds of ships and thousands of seafarers trapped in the region. Iran has condemned the move, calling it a violation of ceasefire conditions. With global markets rattled and crews reporting dwindling supplies amid drone and missile activity, the situation remains volatile. Phemelo speaks to Senior Research Fellow at Africa Asia Dialogue, Thembisa Fakude.