US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the United States will begin "Project Freedom" on Monday morning to safely escort neutral foreign vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz.
Describing the move as a “humanitarian gesture,” Trump said the initiative aims to assist ships and thousands of seafarers trapped in the waterway due to the ongoing conflict.
The announcement comes as the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker was struck by “unknown projectiles” 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah on Sunday. All crew members were reported safe, and no environmental damage was detected.
President Trump stated that several nations had requested assistance for vessels running low on food and essential supplies.
"The movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and countries that have done nothing wrong," Trump posted on Truth Social. He warned that any interference with the operation would be "dealt with forcefully," asserting the move benefits the Middle East, Iran, and the US alike.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it will deploy 15,000 personnel, Over 100 aircraft (land and sea-based), Guided-missile destroyers and unmanned platforms.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized that the mission is defensive and vital for global economic security, though he noted the US will continue to maintain its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Despite the "escort" terminology, reports suggest US Navy vessels may not directly flank every commercial ship. Instead, the Navy plans to provide safe maritime routing specifically to avoid areas mined by Iranian forces while remaining "in the vicinity" to deter potential attacks.
The military escalation coincides with complex diplomatic maneuvers. While Trump recently dismissed Iran’s latest peace proposal as "unacceptable" during an interview with Israel’s Kan News, he simultaneously noted that representatives are engaged in "very positive" discussions.
"We’re in conversation," confirmed US special envoy Steve Witkoff. Recent reports indicate the US submitted a revised draft agreement on Sunday via Pakistani intermediaries following a 14-point response from Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global chokepoint. Iran has blocked most non-Iranian shipping for over two months, driving a surge in global energy and fertilizer prices. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), up to 20,000 seafarers have been caught in the crossfire of the maritime standoff.
