US Army says ‘Project Freedom’ in blockaded Hormuz has ‘just begun’ | US-Israel war on Iran News
U.S. Navy Launches “Project Freedom” to Ensure Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. Navy has initiated a military operation named “Project Freedom” aimed at securing safe passage for commercial vessels through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz. A spokesperson for the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation’s launch on Tuesday.
The strait has been at the center of escalating tensions related to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which began on February 28 and has resulted in disruptions contributing to rising global commodity prices.
Iran has threatened to block the strait by deploying mines, drones, missiles, and fast-attack craft. In response, the U.S. has implemented a blockade of Iranian ports and is escorting commercial vessels through the waterway.
The CENTCOM spokesperson stated that ship owners and insurance companies have received the new operation favorably. The initiative, which has “just begun,” aims to ensure that commercial shipping can navigate the strait safely, thereby supporting both regional and global economies.
In a related development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported at a news conference in Washington, D.C., that ten civilian sailors have lost their lives amid the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. He also noted that the U.S. Navy has destroyed seven Iranian fast boats during recent operations.
Rubio emphasized the United States’ commitment to maintaining navigation freedom in the strait.
“Defensive in Nature”
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the objective of Project Freedom is to reopen the strait for the passage of thousands of commercial vessels currently stranded. He characterized the operation as “defensive in nature,” with a focus on protecting commercial shipping from Iranian aggression.
During a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth clarified that U.S. forces would not operate within Iranian waters or airspace, and he asserted that Iran should not be allowed to obstruct international commerce. He mentioned that two U.S. commercial vessels, accompanied by U.S. warships, have already traversed the strait.
Iran has disputed claims of U.S. naval passage. However, the shipping company Maersk reported that the U.S.-flagged vessel Alliance Fairfax exited the Persian Gulf under U.S. military escort on Monday.
On the same day, several merchant vessels in the Gulf reported incidents of explosions or fires, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) alleged that it had come under attack from Iran, targeting an oil port. Iran’s army denied that any recent attacks occurred against the UAE.
Iran did confirm that warning shots were fired at a U.S. warship approaching the strait, which caused the vessel to change course.
Alexandru Hudisteanu, a military and diplomatic analyst, conveyed to Al Jazeera that the U.S. operation increases the risk of miscalculation, particularly by Iran. He noted that the movement of U.S. vessels through the strait has placed Iran in a precarious position regarding escalation.
Following the release of a new map indicating an expanded Iranian area of control in the strait, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned vessels to adhere to the designated corridors or face a “decisive response.”
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Iran’s military capabilities, suggesting that they have been reduced significantly and indicating that Iran seeks to negotiate despite public displays of aggression.
“They play games, but let me just tell you, they want to make a deal,” Trump stated during a press conference in the Oval Office.
On Tuesday, Air Force General Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported that more than 1,500 vessels with approximately 22,500 crew members are currently trapped in the Gulf. However, he indicated that Iranian attacks against U.S. forces have remained low enough to avoid a restart of major combat operations.
When asked about what could lead to a violation of the ceasefire, Trump remarked, “They know what not to do.”
