President Donald Trump announced on Sunday the launch of 'Project Freedom,' a U.S. initiative to guide ships from 'neutral and innocent' countries safely out of the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has effectively imposed a blockade. The project is set to begin Monday in the Middle East, aiming to ensure unimpeded navigation for affected vessels.
'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 in a social media post.
Iran's control over the strait, established following U.S. and Israeli military actions in February, has disrupted global markets and maritime trade. Tehran has demanded tolls from non-U.S. and non-Israeli ships attempting to pass, challenging international norms on freedom of navigation.
Escalating Tensions
The announcement comes after a cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz reported an attack by small craft, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center. The attack marks at least two dozen incidents in the region since the Iran war began. While Iranian officials denied involvement, they acknowledged stopping a ship for document checks as part of their monitoring efforts.
Trump previously ordered U.S. forces to 'shoot and kill' small Iranian boats deploying mines in the strait, highlighting the precarious security situation. Despite a fragile three-week ceasefire, the President reiterated that further military action remains a possibility.
Iran's Proposal Under Review
Meanwhile, Iran is reviewing a U.S. response to its latest proposal aimed at ending hostilities, though Tehran clarified that these discussions do not involve nuclear negotiations. Iran’s 14-point proposal calls for lifting U.S. sanctions, ending the naval blockade of Iranian ports, and withdrawing U.S. forces from the region, according to state-linked media.
As tensions simmer, the U.S. initiative underscores its commitment to safeguarding maritime trade routes while navigating complex diplomatic negotiations with Iran.