The United States will begin escorting commercial vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz in a bid to restore freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, Donald Trump has announced.
According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation, dubbed “Project Freedom”, will see US naval forces guide ships through the narrow waterway from May 4, as hundreds of vessels remain trapped amid the threat of Iranian attacks.
The Strait of Hormuz has been at the centre of escalating regional tensions since Iran declared it closed after US and Israeli strikes on its territory in February.
Although Tehran briefly reopened the strait during a temporary ceasefire in April, it later reversed course and accused Washington of “piracy”.
Each day, around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments pass through the strait, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets.
President Trump described the escort mission as a “humanitarian gesture”, aimed at assisting countries whose vessels have been unable to transit the waterway.
“The ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong,” he said. “They are victims of circumstance.”
CENTCOM said the operation would involve guided-missile destroyers, supported by more than 100 aircraft and around 15,000 personnel deployed across land and sea.
Iranian officials have warned that the move risks violating the terms of a fragile ceasefire between Tehran and Washington, raising the prospect of further confrontation in the already volatile region.
The announcement came hours after the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that a vessel had been struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the strait. No casualties or environmental damage were reported.
The effective closure of the waterway in recent weeks has already pushed up global energy prices, with knock-on effects for international markets. Analysts say the disruption has indirectly benefited Russian exports, as higher prices and constrained supply have increased demand for alternative sources.
The US operation marks a significant escalation in efforts to secure the strait, underscoring the corridor’s strategic importance and the risks posed by continued instability in the Gulf.
Officials have not ruled out further measures if threats to shipping persist, as Washington seeks to balance freedom of navigation with the risk of direct confrontation with Iran.
Leave a Comment