First Thing: Trump says US navy will ‘guide’ trapped ships through strait of Hormuz

Good morning. Donald Trump has announced this morning that the US will “guide” ships trapped in the Gulf by the Iran war through the strait of Hormuz, and claimed his representatives were having “very positive” discussions with Iran. Trump wrote on his social media site that what he called Project Freedom would be a humanitarian gesture “on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran”. “I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait.” Todd Blanche says case against Comey based on more than just Instagram post The acting US attorney general, Todd Blanche, announces a second indictment against the former FBI director James Comey. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters The acting US attorney general, Todd Blanche, has defended new criminal charges filed against the former FBI head James Comey , insisting the case was based on more than just an Instagram post from last year. The Department of Justice announced a two-count felony indictment against Comey last Tuesday, charging him in connection with a picture he posted on Instagram in May 2025. The picture displayed seashells on the beach arranged in a formation to read “86 47”. The figure 86 is shorthand for getting rid of something, and Trump allies accused Comey of threatening violence against the president. …