President Donald Trump announced on May 3 the launch of "Project Freedom," aimed at guiding commercial ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday [1, 2]. Trump described the operation as a humanitarian effort to assist crews running low on food and supplies aboard stranded vessels. He said the US will help free ships from neutral countries affected by the US-Israel war on Iran and warned, "If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully" [1, 2].
Iran’s military responded on May 4 by warning that any foreign armed forces, especially the US Navy, entering the Strait of Hormuz would be attacked. Iranian officials also advised commercial ships and oil tankers to avoid passing through the strait unless they coordinate with Iran [1]. The Iranian semi-official Fars news agency claimed two missiles struck a US warship at the southern end of the strait on the same day, though the US denied any such attack took place [1].
The US military Central Command (CENTCOM) said 15,000 personnel and more than 100 aircraft, warships, and drones will support the operation. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said, "Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade" [1]. Two American officials said US Navy ships will be "in the vicinity" but may not directly escort commercial vessels. Instead, the US will provide information on safe maritime lanes avoiding mines in the area [2].
Trump said representatives from the US and Iran are engaged in positive discussions that could lead to a constructive outcome [2]. He emphasized, "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" [1].
The operation is set to begin Monday, May 4, with US military assets positioning to support the mission and guide commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz despite Iranian threats [1, 2].
