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US initiates maritime operation amid Hormuz blockade
President Donald Trump announced a US-led effort to assist vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway blockaded by Iran following military strikes by the US and Israel. The operation, dubbed 'Project Freedom,' aims to guide neutral ships trapped since the conflict escalated.
Trump frames mission as humanitarian
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the initiative as a response to global requests for help. He emphasized that the affected ships belonged to nations and companies with no involvement in the conflict, calling them 'victims of circumstance.' The president stated the operation was intended to address shortages of food and supplies for crews stranded for months.
Trump went further, suggesting the effort was also on behalf of Iran, noting the country would benefit from the safe passage of vessels. However, Iran swiftly rejected this characterization, with Maj Gen Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran's central command, warning that any foreign military presence in the Strait would be met with force.
Iran vows resistance to US intervention
Iranian officials reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz remains under their control and that safe passage must be coordinated with Tehran. Abdollahi's statement described the US military as 'aggressive' and threatened to attack any foreign forces attempting to enter the waterway.
The International Maritime Organisation estimates 2,000 ships and 20,000 sailors have been stranded in the Gulf since the conflict began, raising concerns about dwindling supplies and the mental health of crews. Despite these conditions, Trump did not outline a specific plan for freeing the vessels, only warning that force would be used if the operation faced interference.
Military deployment raises stakes
Hours after Trump's announcement, US Central Command (Centcom) revealed the scale of the operation, involving guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members. The statement did not clarify how these assets would be used, leaving questions about whether the US would provide direct military escorts or merely advisory support.
Iranian forces claimed to have prevented US and Israeli warships from entering the Strait, though Centcom denied reports that one of its vessels had been struck by missiles. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates reported that an Adnoc-affiliated tanker was targeted by drones in the Strait, though no injuries were reported. It remains unclear whether the tanker was part of the US-led operation.
First vessels transit under US protection
On Monday, Centcom confirmed that US Navy destroyers had entered the Gulf after passing through the Strait in support of 'Project Freedom.' The command stated that American forces were 'actively assisting efforts to restore transit for commercial shipping,' though details remained scarce. Two US-flagged merchant vessels successfully completed the transit, but their identities were not disclosed.
Iran has severely restricted traffic through the Strait since the war began, permitting passage only for vessels from allied nations. A ceasefire is currently in effect, but negotiations to end hostilities have stalled. Iran has strongly opposed US efforts to enforce a naval blockade on its ports.
Stranded crews face dire conditions
Oil tanker captain Ramoon Kapoor, one of those trapped, described the situation as 'pretty tense,' recounting witnessing missile attacks and explosions. He noted that crews were experiencing significant stress and anxiety due to prolonged confinement and dwindling supplies.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre has warned that ships attempting to transit the Strait face 'critical' security threats, including military operations and potential mines along transit routes.
Market reaction muted despite high stakes
Trump's announcements during the conflict have often influenced oil prices, but 'Project Freedom' drew no immediate market response. A brief spike occurred following Iran's claim of striking a US warship and the subsequent denial, but Brent crude prices remained above $100 per barrel, more than 50% higher than pre-war levels.
