[49256] US President Trump Announces "Project Freedom" in the Strait of Hormuz in Response to Iranian Blockade

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz: The US Launches "Project Freedom" Operation

President Donald Trump has announced the start of a large-scale military operation known as "Project Freedom", aimed at assisting neutral ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz to exit safely. According to reports from CENTCOM, the operation will involve the deployment of 15,000 troops, over 100 aircraft, and missile destroyers. Axios noted that US forces will not escort ships closely, but will remain nearby and provide guidance to safe routes.

Trump described the move as a "humanitarian gesture" intended to assist countries not involved in the Middle East conflict, and warned that "if there is any interference with this humanitarian process, unfortunately, we will have to fight it with force".

In response, Iran reacted with sharp threats. Ebrahim Azizi, Chairman of the National Security Committee of the Iranian Parliament, stated that "any American interference in the new maritime regime in the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire", adding that the US would be subject to attack if it approaches the Strait. Mohammad Marandi, an Iranian official close to the talks with the US, emphasized that "no ship will be allowed to leave the Gulf without the authorization of the Iranian Armed Forces".

The reports reflect contrasting approaches: while media outlets identified with the West emphasize the diplomatic and humanitarian effort, pro-Iranian sources such as ParsToday and Voice of Iran describe Trump as a "clown" and highlight Iranian supremacy in the Strait. At the same time, there were reports of a goodwill gesture from the US in the form of the release of 22 crew members from the Iranian ship 'Touska' and their transfer to Pakistan, a step interpreted as an attempt to calm tensions before the start of the operation.