Trump announces Project Freedom to clear Strait of Hormuz ships

United States President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Washington will intervene to clear the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday. He labeled the initiative Project Freedom and described it as a humanitarian effort for neutral vessels.

Trump stated the campaign responds to requests from countries with ships stranded in the waterway. He called these nations innocent bystanders caught in a dangerous situation.

In a post on Truth Social, the President explained that the US will guide these ships safely out of restricted zones. He emphasized that crews are running low on food and essential supplies needed for health.

Any interference with this operation will have to be dealt with forcefully, according to the President's warning. It remains unclear if this move will involve coordination with Tehran or how it will proceed.

The action risks shattering the fragile ceasefire that took effect on April 7. Iranian officials have already warned against such interference.

Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran's National Security Commission, called the announcement a breach of the truce. He dismissed Trump's claims as delusional posts and rejected blame game scenarios on X.

US Central Command confirmed it would begin supporting merchant vessels seeking free transit from Monday. Admiral Brad Cooper stated this defensive mission is essential for regional security and the global economy.

However, CENTCOM did not specify how it would ensure safe passage while maintaining its naval blockade. The military previously said it was not ready to accompany ships through narrow waters under fire.

Oil prices have soared as the US siege and Iran's blockade persist. Petrol in the US has risen to an average of $4.44 per gallon. This increase fuels inflation and public discontent with the ongoing war.

Trump's job approval ratings are plummeting as energy costs drive dissatisfaction. He previously argued his siege is more effective than bombing but now seeks to alter the status quo.

Negar Mortazavi, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy, warned that Iran will not see this as a humanitarian mission. She noted that escorting ships brings US forces closer to Iran's shooting range.

The move could alter the relative calm that has persisted despite growing tensions. Experts question if this is a negotiating tactic or a direct threat.

President Trump faces a critical decision regarding the escalating conflict with Iran, leaving observers to wonder if recent diplomatic overtures are merely a negotiating tactic or the administration's definitive strategy. While Tehran has long anticipated a potential escalation, the President clarified on Sunday that a diplomatic path remains viable. Speaking on Truth Social, he stated, "I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all." He further emphasized that the ongoing ship movement is designed solely to liberate innocent victims of circumstance, freeing up people, companies, and nations that have done nothing wrong.

Despite this opening for dialogue, Trump firmly rejected Tehran's latest 14-point proposal to end the war on Israel. Addressing Kan, Israel's public broadcaster, he declared, "It's not acceptable to me. I've studied it; I've studied everything – it's not acceptable." Although the specifics of Iran's 14-point plan remain vague, Iranian officials insist their primary goal is to permanently end the conflict and lift the blockade on their ports before pursuing a broader nuclear agreement. Sunday reports indicate that Washington has delivered a formal response to this proposal, and Iranian officials are currently reviewing the American reaction.

The President's stance suggests a desire to impose greater costs on Tehran before the conflict concludes. On Saturday, he wrote on Truth Social, "I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but can't imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years." This rhetoric has prompted a defiant response from Iran, which warns it will defend itself against any further aggression. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has issued a stark warning, stating it is "fully prepared" to counter any "adventures or foolishness" launched by Washington.