Trump announces US operation to free stranded ships in Strait of HormuzStrait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States will launch Project Freedom on Monday morning to escort commercial ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz out of the Persian Gulf. The strait, closed by Iranian attacks and affected by a US naval blockade following a ceasefire in the US-Iran war, handles about a fifth of the world's oil and natural gas. Trump described the effort as humanitarian to aid crews of unaffected nations' vessels.
This move comes amid ongoing negotiations with Iran, which has warned of attacks on US forces entering the strait. The operation risks escalation in a key global trade route, with Trump stating any interference will face forceful response. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth backed the plan as necessary heavy lifting for the free world.
US Perspective
President Trump views Project Freedom as a humanitarian operation to free ships of neutral countries trapped by Iran's closure of the strait. He emphasized positive talks with Iran that could yield broader benefits and warned that interference would prompt forceful action. Officials like Defense Secretary Hegseth see it as the US addressing a global threat on behalf of allies.
Iranian Perspective
Iran warns it will attack US forces if they enter the Strait of Hormuz to escort ships. Officials deny nuclear negotiations at this stage and reference proposals to resolve blockades post-war. State media highlights opposition to US moves amid the ceasefire.
- The Strait of Hormuz spans just 21 miles at its narrowest point between Iran and Oman.
- Oman has historically mediated tensions between Iran and Western powers.
- Pete Hegseth authored books on military leadership before his Pentagon role.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
