The United States has launched 'Project Freedom', an operation announced by President Donald Trump, to guide hundreds of ships trapped in the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. The move dramatically raises stakes in the ongoing conflict with Iran, which had imposed a blockade on foreign shipping following the US-Israeli attack on Iran in late February.
US Central Command (Centcom) chief Admiral Brad Cooper said US forces destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted cruise missiles and drones. He strongly advised Iranian forces to stay clear of US military assets, which include guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, drones and 15,000 troops. Iran swiftly denied these claims, also rejecting Centcom's assertion that two US-flagged merchant vessels had successfully transited the strait.
President Trump downplayed tensions, saying Iran had 'taken some shots' but caused no harm except damage to a South Korean cargo vessel from an unexplained explosion. However, he heightened fears in an interview, warning Iran would be 'blown off the face of the Earth' if it attacks US vessels involved in Project Freedom, while also claiming the regime had become 'more malleable' in peace negotiations.
Iran claimed to have hit a US frigate with two missiles, and a tanker reported being hit by 'unknown projectiles'. The United Arab Emirates said an oil tanker, MV Barakah, came under Iranian drone attack off Oman, with no injuries. The UAE defence ministry intercepted three missiles from Iran over its territorial waters.
An estimated 850 ships and 20,000 sailors have been trapped in the Gulf since the blockade began. The US operation does not involve military escorts but provides coordination and guidance for commercial shipping along a southern route through Omani waters. Shipping executives reacted cautiously, with Richard Hext of Vanmar Shipping noting Iran had declared unapproved transit a 'violation of the ceasefire' agreed last month.
International response was circumspect. French President Emmanuel Macron said the only way to reopen the strait was a coordinated reopening by the US and Iran, adding that France would not take part in any military operation in that framework.
