Trump Launches 'Project Freedom' for Hormuz Ships
On Sunday, May 3, U.S. President Donald Trump announced 'Project Freedom,' an operation to help merchant ships safely leave the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that carries about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas. On Truth Social, Trump said the United States would 'guide' trapped vessels out from Monday morning, calling it a humanitarian gesture for crews running low on supplies. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) committed guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, drones, and 15,000 service members. However, an unnamed official told the Wall Street Journal the plan does not involve Navy warships escorting ships— only coordinating traffic.
The crisis began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. In response, Tehran closed the strait to most foreign shipping and demanded that ships not linked to Washington or Israel pay a toll. On April 13, Trump imposed a counter-blockade of Iranian ports. The standoff has trapped more than 850 vessels and roughly 20,000 sailors in the Persian Gulf, and the U.K. Royal Navy reports traffic through the strait has dropped over 90 percent. On Friday, Iran delivered a 14-point peace proposal through Pakistani mediators that focused on reopening the strait but reportedly avoided the question of Iran's nuclear program.
The disruption pushed Brent crude oil briefly above $126a barrel last week, while U.S. average gasoline prices climbed to $4.39a gallon, according to AAA (the American Automobile Association) . Trump warned any interference with Project Freedom would be 'dealt with forcefully,' while Iranian commanders promised 'painful retaliation' if new U.S. strikes occur. With Trump's planned trip to China on May 14 approaching, the operation's success could shape the next phase of negotiations and the global energy outlook.