US media interprets Trump's "freedom plan" as "guiding" rather than "escorting."

US media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Axios all highlighted that Trump used the term "guide" rather than "escort" when describing how his new naval mission would operate in the Strait of Hormuz. The Wall Street Journal reported that US officials stated the mechanism "does not currently involve US Navy ships escorting vessels through the strait." CNN, citing a US official, stated that the plan "is not an escort mission" and that the US military would "guide stranded vessels." Axios, citing a US official, stated that US Navy ships would be "nearby" on standby in case of Iranian attacks on merchant ships. CNN pointed out that the plan "leaves many unanswered questions," with one expert suggesting its purpose is likely to make merchant ships "feel safe." (Jinshi)