US Launches “Project Freedom” to Clear Ships Stranded in Strait of Hormuz
BBC Business reported Monday that US President Donald Trump has ordered a large-scale military-backed operation to free thousands of merchant vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s closure of the critical waterway.
Trump named the effort “Project Freedom,” calling it a “humanitarian gesture” on behalf of nations whose ships remain blocked. He warned that any interference with the operation would be met with a forceful response.
A Massive Military Deployment Takes Shape
US Central Command confirmed the operation involves roughly 15,000 service personnel, guided-missile destroyers, and more than 100 aircraft. The mission is set to begin Monday, with Washington maintaining its existing naval blockade of Iranian ports in parallel.
Trump stated that governments around the world had asked the US to intervene. He described the trapped vessels as “neutral and innocent bystanders.” He did not spell out the operational mechanics or identify which Middle Eastern nations are co-sponsoring the effort.
Background: Iran’s Closure Triggers a Global Energy Crisis
Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz at the start of the current conflict, trapping an estimated 2,000 ships and roughly 20,000 sailors. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas ordinarily transits the strait, and the closure has driven global fuel prices sharply higher.
Concern has mounted over the welfare of stranded crews, with reports highlighting deteriorating physical and mental health conditions aboard vessels left idle for weeks.
Late Sunday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a tanker in the strait was struck by an unidentified projectile. The crew were reported safe.
Ceasefire Holds, But Peace Talks Remain Fragile
The operation launches during a temporary ceasefire that took effect on 8 April. Iran’s 14-point peace proposal, transmitted to Washington via Pakistan, calls for a US military withdrawal from the region, an end to the naval blockade, and a final agreement within 30 days.
Trump said on Saturday he doubted the proposal would be acceptable, suggesting Iran had not yet “paid a big enough price.” A senior Iranian official countered that any US move in the strait would constitute a ceasefire violation.
Iran’s foreign ministry also ruled out nuclear negotiations at this stage, a core US demand. Tehran insists its nuclear programme is entirely civilian in nature.
Trump indicated the US would not fully exit the conflict and left open the possibility of renewed military strikes if Iran “misbehaves.”
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