Washington, DC [US], May 4 (ANI): Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has publicly endorsed Donald Trump's latest maritime initiative, dubbed 'Project Freedom', which authorises American forces to provide safe passage for vessels currently trapped within the Strait of Hormuz.

The senior lawmaker's backing comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve the regional crisis. Expressing his frustration with the current state of talks, Graham took to social media to criticise Tehran's recent conduct.

'It is clear to me that Iran is playing games through negotiations, as their last offer to end the conflict was absurd,' he wrote in a post on X.

https://x.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/2051053289186410759?s=20

Linking the need for a robust military presence to the failure of these discussions, Graham argued that the United States must now shift its focus toward securing the vital shipping lane.

While he maintained a preference for a non-violent resolution, he signalled that the window for talks is rapidly closing.

'Again, I hope this conflict can end diplomatically, but it is now time to regain freedom of navigation and forcefully respond to Iran if they insist on terrorizing the world,' the Senator added.

The endorsement follows an announcement by Trump regarding the new initiative, titled 'Project Freedom', to assist commercial vessels currently trapped in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on Truth Social on Sunday (local time), Trump explained that various nations had reached out for American help to ensure their ships could navigate out of the strategic waterway safely.

Trump noted that these requests came from 'Countries from all over the World, almost all of which are not involved in the Middle Eastern dispute going on so visibly, and violently, for all to see.'

He stated that these nations asked if the United States could 'help free up their Ships, which are locked up in the Strait of Hormuz, on something which they have absolutely nothing to do with.'

Asserting that the US would step in to guarantee the safe passage of these vessels, Trump maintained that the move was 'For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States.'

He further clarified that Washington has informed these nations that American forces 'will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business.'

Trump emphasised that the operation focuses on ships from regions 'that are not in any way involved with that which is currently taking place in the Middle East.'

He confirmed that he had instructed his representatives to relay that the US 'will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait.'

Once these vessels have cleared the area, Trump indicated they would stay away for the foreseeable future, noting that 'they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else.'

According to Trump, 'Project Freedom' is scheduled to commence on Monday morning (Middle East time).

He framed the movement as a way to 'free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong' and described the crews as 'victims of circumstance.'

Labelling the mission a 'Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran,' Trump highlighted the deteriorating conditions for those on board.

He pointed out that 'Many of these Ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for large-scale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner.'

However, Trump issued a stern warning against any attempts to disrupt the mission, stating that if the process is 'interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.'

The maritime initiative comes as Trump revealed that US officials are currently engaged in 'very positive discussions' with Tehran.

He suggested these talks 'could lead to something very positive for all,' even as he simultaneously rejected Iran's latest conflict-resolution proposal as 'not acceptable.'

In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Tehran is reviewing Washington's reply to their submission.

As reported by Iran's Tasnim news agency, the Iranian proposal seeks an end to hostilities on multiple fronts, including Lebanon, while demanding the withdrawal of US forces near Iran, the release of frozen assets, and the lifting of sanctions.

While the US has advocated for a two-month ceasefire, Iran is reportedly pushing for a shorter 30-day window, prioritising a permanent end to the war over a temporary truce. (ANI)