Trump Unveils 'Project Freedom' to Escort Trapped Ships Through Hormuz: 'We’ll Deal With Anyone Who Interferes'

President of the United States Donald Trump announced overnight on Truth Social that starting today (Monday) the United States will begin implementing "Project Freedom" (Project Freedom), aimed at helping free foreign ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. He said the initiative is intended to allow safe passage for vessels from countries not involved in the regional conflict.

In his message, Trump emphasized that "Countries from around the world—almost all of them not involved in the Middle East conflict playing out so openly and violently before everyone’s eyes—asked the United States to help free their ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz." He added that the U.S. will escort the vessels "safely out of these restricted waterways, so they can freely and properly continue their business." Alongside that, he issued a clear threat to Iran: "We will deal forcefully with anyone who interferes with us."

According to his statement, the initiative is not defined as a military operation to extract ships, but as a broader move that includes a significant military presence in the area. It entails deploying more than 100 aircraft, roughly 15,000 troops, and destroyers with guided missiles, along with maritime monitoring and information-sharing among countries.

Trump described the move as "a humanitarian gesture by the United States," adding that "on many of these ships, food is running out, as is everything else large crews need to remain on board in a healthy and sanitary way." He said the effort is meant "to free people, companies, and countries that did nothing wrong—they are victims of circumstance."

Alongside the tough messages, Trump noted that his envoys are in contact with Iran: "I am fully aware that my representatives are holding very positive discussions with the nation of Iran, and that these may lead to something very positive for everyone."

Trump’s announcement comes after weeks of mutual blockade in the Strait of Hormuz that sent global energy prices sharply higher. Meanwhile, Iran issued a threat of its own, clarifying that "Any U.S. intervention will be considered a violation of the cease-fire. Only a fool would ignore our warnings."