Iran expresses ‘full readiness’ to provide ‘maritime services, technical support’ to commercial ships in Hormuz
The announcement was sent to ship commanders to ensure maritime safety, improve the seaworthiness of ships and protect the welfare of the crew, according to a statement issued by the maritime authority and carried out by Iran’s state-run IRNA.
The organization said that the message was officially transmitted through the maritime communication channels of Iranian ports and was intended for all ships sailing in the region, especially ships operating near Iranian territorial waters and anchorages.
According to IRNA, the maritime authority stated that ships will have access to a range of services if needed, including provisions, refueling, medical assistance, healthcare and authorized repair-related materials.
Emphasizing its regulatory and sovereign responsibilities, the Ports and Maritime Organization also stated that the initiative reflects Iran’s determination to ensure safe and sustainable maritime traffic in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
The statement also stated that the message will be broadcast three times a day for three consecutive days over maritime communication networks and VHF systems in the region.
Ship captains and owners were also instructed to contact Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) centers in the nearest Iranian ports or through local representatives on VHF channel 16 to request service and communicate operational needs. The announcement came a day after Trump announced Tuesday that “Project Freedom,” an initiative aimed at helping merchant ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to rising regional tensions in the Gulf, would be temporarily halted while the naval blockade of Iranian ports continues.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision was made following requests from Pakistan, which is mediating between Washington and Tehran and other countries to broker a peace deal.
Trump also claimed that the decision followed what he described as significant military gains during the campaign against Iran and progress toward a possible agreement with Iranian representatives.
The US President also noted that the pause was announced between Tehran and Washington in order to “see whether the agreement can be finalized and signed.”
“Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success we have achieved during the Operation Against the Land of Iran, as well as the fact that Great Progress has been made towards a Full and Final Agreement with the Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that the Blockade will remain in full force and that the Freedom Project (Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see if the Agreement can be completed and signed.” read.
