The United States is set to launch on Monday morning an operation dubbed “Project Freedom,” announced by President Donald Trump, aimed at assisting vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz to exit safely.
Trump said that several countries from around the world—most of them not involved in the Middle East conflict—had requested U.S. assistance to help free their ships, describing them as “neutral parties.”
In a post on Truth Social, he stated that Washington would guide ships safely through maritime routes, enabling them to resume operations.
He added that these vessels belong to countries not directly linked to ongoing regional developments, noting that he had instructed his representatives to ensure the safe passage of both ships and their crews.
Trump also indicated that these countries had informed the United States they would not return to the region until navigation becomes safe again.
Meanwhile, an Iranian official warned that any U.S. attempt to intervene in the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a violation of the ceasefire, following Trump’s announcement of the operation.
Ebrahim Azizi, head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee in Iran’s parliament, said on X that “any American intervention in the new maritime arrangement of the Strait of Hormuz will be regarded as a breach of the ceasefire.”
According to U.S. officials cited by Axios, the initiative may not necessarily involve direct escort by U.S. naval vessels for commercial ships.
One official noted that U.S. naval forces would remain nearby and be ready to intervene if necessary to prevent Iranian forces from targeting commercial vessels transiting the strait.
The officials added that the U.S. Navy would provide commercial ships with guidance on the safest maritime routes within the strait, particularly those believed to be free of naval mines.
In a related context, Trump described ongoing discussions with Iran as “very positive,” suggesting they could lead to favorable outcomes.
He characterized the operation as a “humanitarian initiative,” pointing out that some ships are experiencing shortages of food and supplies, and warned that any obstruction to the mission would be dealt with firmly.
