Trump Announces “Project Freedom” to Escort Ships Out of Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Conflict

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States will launch “Project Freedom” on Monday, aiming to escort hundreds of ships and their crews safely through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint currently controlled and effectively closed off by Iran amid ongoing conflict. The initiative involves deploying guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and 15,000 service members, according to U.S. Central Command, though details on the operational plan remain sparse.

Trump framed the effort as a humanitarian mission to aid “neutral and innocent” countries whose vessels have been trapped in the strait since the outbreak of the war on February 28. He warned that any interference with the operation would be met with force. The president also claimed ongoing discussions with Iran could lead to a “very positive” outcome, though Tehran swiftly dismissed the announcement as a provocation and a violation of the fragile ceasefire.

Iran’s parliament security chief labeled the U.S. move as part of Trump’s “delirium,” while Iran’s state media denied recent reports of attacks on ships, calling them routine inspections. Yet multiple vessels have reported assaults by small craft and projectiles in recent weeks, underscoring the heightened dangers in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is vital for global energy supplies, with about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas trade passing through it.

The announcement comes amid tentative ceasefire talks, with Iran reviewing a U.S. response to its latest proposal aimed at ending hostilities. Tehran insists that nuclear negotiations are off the table for now, focusing instead on lifting sanctions, ending the U.S. naval blockade, and ceasing all military actions, including Israeli operations in Lebanon.

This escalation reflects a broader pattern of the Trump administration using military force and economic pressure to assert dominance in the Middle East while attempting to distract from domestic scandals. The risk of miscalculation and further destabilization remains high as the U.S. prepares to increase its military footprint in one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors.