Two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels departed the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, escorted with assistance from the U.S. Navy as part of a newly launched military operation named "Project Freedom" [1]. The operation began Monday morning to guide ships safely through the strategically critical strait.
The two merchant vessels transited a designated defensive zone but were not directly escorted by warships. Alongside them, U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers sailed through the strait from the Arabian Sea and are currently operating in the Gulf region [1].
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) denied that any ships had passed through the strait in recent hours and threatened "serious risks" and potential forceful stops against vessels they claim violate Iranian maritime principles [1]. The Iranian armed forces warned that aggressive U.S. actions could complicate the situation and endanger commercial and military vessels in the Gulf. They advised commercial ships and tankers to avoid transits without coordination with Iranian military authorities [1].
Tensions escalated when Iranian state media claimed two Iranian missiles struck a U.S. Navy ship attempting to cross the strait. However, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) denied any vessel was hit and confirmed only warning shots were fired by the IRGC at a U.S. Navy ship [1]. CENTCOM also said it changed rules of engagement to allow immediate strikes against imminent threats such as IRGC fast boats or missile positions in the area [1].
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. "is opening up" the strait and asserted that U.S. forces have "absolute control" of the waterway, adding that they will fire "only when fired upon" by Iranian forces [1].
Monday’s events mark a significant military and political move amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions in the Gulf. The U.S. Navy destroyers continuing operations in the region signal sustained presence and readiness.
Further developments are expected as Project Freedom continues to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and monitor Iranian responses.