US Military Launches 'Project Freedom' to Secure Strait of Hormuz

Istanbul (ANTARA) - The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on Sunday (3/5) that its forces will “support commercial ships wishing to transit freely” through the Strait of Hormuz as part of US President Donald Trump’s initiative called “Project Freedom.”

In a post on the social media platform X, CENTCOM mentioned that its forces will begin supporting Project Freedom on 4 May 2026 to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM added that support for commercial ships transiting the strait will include guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 military personnel.

“Our support for this defence mission is vital for regional security and the global economy, while we continue to maintain the naval blockade,” said CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.

Trump previously stated via the Truth Social platform that the United States will begin escorting neutral foreign ships safely out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday morning Middle East time, describing the step as a “humanitarian gesture” for countries affected by the conflict without direct involvement.

Trump named the initiative “Project Freedom,” adding that many trapped ships are beginning to run short of food and other essential supplies to keep the crew healthy.

The step is taken amid ongoing disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz that continue to affect global markets, with prices for energy, fertiliser, and major industrial commodities experiencing sharp surges over the past two months.

Source: Anadolu