Trump Launches “Project Freedom” to Escort Ships Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Iran Tensions
United States President Donald Trump has announced a major new maritime operation aimed at safely guiding stranded commercial ships through the volatile Strait of Hormuz beginning Monday, as tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to shake global trade and energy markets.
In a statement posted on social media Sunday, Trump revealed that the mission, named “Project Freedom,” will focus on helping “neutral and innocent” nations whose vessels have been trapped in the strategic waterway since the outbreak of the Iran conflict.
The announcement comes amid growing fears over security in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, where nearly a fifth of global oil and gas supplies typically pass every day.
U.S. Moves to Protect Global Shipping
According to Trump, the operation will allow stranded vessels to safely leave restricted waters and continue international trade without interference. “We have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business,” Trump stated.
The U.S. military operation is expected to involve guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, and approximately 15,000 service members, according to the United States Central Command.
Although the Pentagon has yet to release full operational details, the initiative is being viewed as one of the most aggressive maritime security efforts in the region in recent years. Trump also hinted at ongoing diplomatic discussions with Iran, saying talks between representatives from both countries could potentially produce “something very positive for all.”
Iran Rejects U.S. Operation
Iran swiftly condemned the announcement, describing it as a violation of the fragile ceasefire currently in place.
Iran’s state-run media outlet Islamic Republic News Agency dismissed Trump’s remarks as part of his “delirium,” while senior Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi warned that any foreign interference in the strait would be treated as a breach of the ceasefire agreement.
Iran has maintained a firm stance on its control over the Strait of Hormuz since the war began on February 28 following military actions involving the U.S. and Israel.
Iranian officials insist that ships unaffiliated with the U.S. or Israel may pass through the strait only under conditions set by Tehran, including payment of tolls a move widely criticized internationally as a challenge to global freedom of navigation laws.
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Fresh Attacks Raise Alarm
The situation escalated further after two commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz reportedly came under attack over the weekend.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that one cargo ship was approached and attacked by multiple small craft near Sirik, Iran, while another tanker near Fujairah was struck by “unknown projectiles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The incidents are the latest in a growing series of attacks targeting commercial vessels around the strait since the conflict began, intensifying fears among global shipping companies and oil traders.
Crew members aboard stranded ships have reportedly faced severe shortages of drinking water, food supplies, and essential resources as vessels remain trapped in the Persian Gulf.
Many of the affected seafarers are from countries across South and Southeast Asia, including India.
Global Economic Concerns Deepen
The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has already sent shockwaves through international markets, with fears of rising oil prices and supply disruptions mounting worldwide.
The waterway remains one of the most strategically important trade routes on earth, transporting massive volumes of crude oil, liquefied natural gas, fertilizers, and petroleum products daily.
Trump warned that any attempt to obstruct the humanitarian escort mission would be met with force. “If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully,” he declared.
Meanwhile, U.S. sanctions and naval pressure continue to squeeze Iran’s economy. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iran’s oil revenues have sharply declined, while storage facilities are reportedly nearing capacity.
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Iran Reviews Latest U.S. Proposal
Even as military tensions remain high, diplomatic efforts appear to be ongoing. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed Tehran is reviewing Washington’s latest proposal aimed at ending the conflict, though he emphasized that nuclear negotiations are not currently part of discussions.
Iran’s reported 14-point proposal includes demands for the lifting of U.S. sanctions, withdrawal of American forces from the region, an end to naval blockades, and the cessation of hostilities involving Israel in neighboring areas such as Lebanon.
Regional actors, including Pakistan, are reportedly continuing backchannel efforts to encourage direct talks between the United States and Iran in hopes of preventing further escalation.
As the world watches closely, Monday’s launch of “Project Freedom” could mark a major turning point in the ongoing crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and global energy security.
