Trump Launches “Project Freedom” — US Navy Begins Strait of Hormuz Escort Mission as Iran Issues Stark Warning

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN — US President Donald Trump has announced the launch of “Project Freedom,” a sweeping naval operation under which American forces began escorting neutral foreign vessels through the Strait of Hormuz from May 4. Trump described the mission as an “act of humanitarian compassion,” citing critical shortages of essential supplies aboard vessels stranded in the strategically vital waterway.
US Central Command confirmed its backing for the operation, classifying it as a defensive mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Admiral Brad Cooper revealed the scale of the deployment — guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and approximately 15,000 personnel.
Despite framing the move as humanitarian, the announcement has dramatically escalated regional tensions. Tehran has issued a sharp warning, stating that any American interference in the Strait of Hormuz would constitute a direct violation of the existing ceasefire agreement.
On the diplomatic front, Trump confirmed that Washington has reviewed Iran’s 14-point peace proposal but found it “unacceptable.” However, the US has submitted a revised counter-draft, keeping the door to negotiations ajar.
Adding to the volatility, British Maritime Trade Operations reported unidentified gunfire on a tanker approximately 125 kilometres north of Fujairah, UAE — with no casualties reported but serious concerns raised over commercial shipping safety in the region.
The developments signal a dangerous new chapter in the US-Iran standoff, with global energy markets and international shipping routes hanging in the balance.