President Donald Trump announced the US will begin guiding foreign ships through the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday via “Project Freedom,” warning Iran against interference with forceful military response.
Humanitarian Escort Initiative
Dubbed at neutral nations’ request, the operation aids vessels—many low on supplies for 20,000 crew—stranded amid Iran’s closures. Trump posted on Truth Social: “For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we will guide their Ships safely out,” stressing any disruption will be met decisively.
Iranian Backlash and Military Details
Iran’s parliamentary security chief Ebrahim Azizi called it a ceasefire breach on X. CENTCOM confirmed support using destroyers, aircraft, drones, and 15,000 personnel to ensure free transit while upholding the US blockade, vital for global energy flows.
Many of these Ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner,” Trump said, adding that any interference in the operation would “unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully”.It remains uncertain how the initiative described by Trump as a humanitarian effort will unfold, or whether it will be carried out in coordination with Tehran.Should Iran oppose the plan, it could jeopardise the fragile ceasefire that took effect on April 7.
Following Trump’s announcement, Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, warned that any “American interference” in the strait would be considered a breach of the truce.
“The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf would not be managed by Trump’s delusional posts! No one would believe Blame Game scenarios!” Azizi said in a post on X.US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that it would begin supporting merchant vessels “seeking to freely transit” the strait from Monday.
Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade,” CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said.