U.S. Launches ‘Project Freedom’ to Escort Ships Out of Hormuz as Risks of Clash With Iran Loom

The United States has launched a major naval-backed operation in the Strait of Hormuz aimed at guiding stranded commercial vessels out of the conflict zone, with the first U.S.-flagged ships already completing escorted transits, even as fresh attacks and industry warnings underscore the risk of renewed hostilities.

President Donald Trump announced the initiative, dubbed Project Freedom, on Sunday, framing it as a humanitarian mission to assist “neutral and innocent” ships trapped in the strait amid months of escalating conflict.

“Countries from all over the world… have asked the United States if we could help free up their ships,” Trump said, adding