President Trump has just announced the U.S. Navy will launch a new operation in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, the 47th President announced that the United States will help free up ships that have been stuck near the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump revealed the new operation will be called Project Freedom and will begin on Monday.
CNBC reported more on Project Freedom:
President Donald Trump said Sunday that the U.S. will attempt to “free” stranded cargo ships that have been trapped by the Strait of Hormuz closure since the war with Iran began.
The effort, which Trump in a Truth Social post dubbed “Project Freedom,” is set to begin on Monday. The president said the effort is focused solely on getting civilian ships that are flagged in countries not affiliated with the conflict out of the contested waterway so they can “freely and ably get on with their business.”
“I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait,” Trump said. “In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else.”
Trump provided no details on how the U.S. would attempt to conduct such an operation, nor how U.S. military forces would be involved. It is also unclear whether Iran will allow the U.S. to conduct the operation without interference amid the ongoing conflict, and when the strait will reopen for regular transit.
The White House and Department of Defense did not immediately respond to requests for more information.
Trump’s full statement:
Trump announced on Truth Social that the U.S. will begin escorting foreign ships out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday under “Project Freedom,” describing it as a humanitarian effort to assist neutral vessels affected by the conflict, and warning that any interference with… pic.twitter.com/74NW2KfuAY
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 3, 2026
Full Text:
Countries from all over the World, almost all of which are not involved in the Middle Eastern dispute going on so visibly, and violently, for all to see, have asked the United States if we could help free up their Ships, which are locked up in the Strait of Hormuz, on something which they have absolutely nothing to do with — They are merely neutral and innocent bystanders!
For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business. Again, these are Ships from areas of the World that are not in any way involved with that which is currently taking place in the Middle East. I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait. In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else. This process, Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning, Middle East time. 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.
ADVERTISEMENTThe Ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong — They are victims of circumstance. This is a Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran. 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. I think it would go a long way in showing Goodwill on behalf of all of those who have been fighting so strenuously over the last number of months.
If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
DONALD J. TRUMP
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
President Trump’s announcement comes just hours after a cargo ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.
BREAKING: A large cargo ship reports being attacked by multiple small boats in the Strait of Hormuz just 11 miles from Iran's coast. pic.twitter.com/1t6XIfpw9H
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 3, 2026
The New York Post reported more on the attack:
A cargo ship was struck by multiple small craft while sailing near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, UK military officials said.
The ship, which was not immediately identified, was hit right off the coast of Sirik, Iran, just east of the strait, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre.
ADVERTISEMENTAll crew members were reported safe, with no group immediately claiming responsibility for the attack.
Iran’s military, however, has repeatedly warned any ship that tries to navigate the strait would be attacked unless they pay a toll and prove they are not affiliated with the US or Israel.
Tehran has effectively shut down the key oil chokepoint with repeated attacks and threats on cargo ships and tankers that tried to sail through.
Despite the US and Israel sinking Iran’s navy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps maintains a fleet of small patrol boats along the strait.
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