Trump's 'Humanitarian Convoy' to Strait of Hormuz Walked Back by Officials as Iran War Escalates

President Trump announced a 'humanitarian' convoy to free trapped ships in the Strait of Hormuz, but US officials quickly clarified it is not an escort mission. The US military's 'Project Freedom' will instead guide ships through safe lanes, with 15,000 personnel and 100 aircraft deployed. Iran's military warned it would attack any foreign forces entering the strait. Negotiations between the US and Iran appear to be collapsing, with Iran toughening its position and demanding an end to the blockade. The UAE has entered the conflict, bombing Iranian territory. The economic impact is severe: oil prices could spike to $200 per barrel, US gas prices average $4.30 per gallon, and Detroit carmakers face $5 billion in additional costs. China invoked its Blocking Statute for the first time to defy US sanctions on refineries buying Iranian oil. The humanitarian crisis worsens with 2,000 ships and 20,000 seafarers trapped, facing food shortages and fatalities.