May 4, 2026
The United States has launched an operation to assist ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran imposed restrictions on non‑Iranian vessels amid the wider Iran war. President Donald Trump announced the initiative — dubbed “Project Freedom” on his Truth Social platform — saying the US would “guide ships” of nations not party to the conflict out of the blocked waterway as a humanitarian gesture for crews running low on supplies.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it would support the mission with some 15,000 military personnel, more than 100 land‑ and sea‑based aircraft, plus warships and drones. Operational details remain sparse; Trump provided few specifics, and Axios reported the US Navy may not directly escort commercial ships, leaving questions over how the initiative will be carried out.
Iran condemned the move, warning that any American interference in the Strait would violate the fragile ceasefire. Major General Ali Abdollahi of Iran’s central command said foreign military forces — “especially the aggressive U.S. military” — would be targeted if they approached or entered the waterway. Iranian parliament security officials and other Tehran sources insisted the Strait’s security is under Iran’s control and that safe passage must be coordinated with Iranian forces.
The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of firing two drones at an empty ADNOC oil tanker, the Barakah, as it attempted to transit the Strait. ADNOC reported no injuries. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency had earlier flagged a tanker in the region hit by unknown projectiles.
Markets reacted skeptically to the US plan. Oil prices rose on Monday despite Trump’s announcement: Brent crude initially climbed about 1.5% to $109.84 per barrel for July delivery and later rose to $110.73, while US crude was trading above $104. Prices have been volatile amid the conflict — crude topped $126 per barrel last week — reflecting heightened supply concerns and uncertainty over maritime routes.
European states are also considering steps to secure shipping. The UK and France are leading efforts to form a multinational mission to protect vessels transiting the Strait, but the scope and rules of engagement for any European operation remain unclear.
Diplomatic developments are unfolding alongside military moves. Iran says it has submitted a 14‑point peace plan focused on ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which includes demands to lift US sanctions, end the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and agree to permanent cessation of hostilities in Iran and Lebanon. Tehran reportedly set a one‑month deadline for negotiations and said its nuclear program is not part of the talks at this stage. Iranian officials said they were reviewing Washington’s response, which was conveyed via Pakistani mediators.
Separately, Pakistan confirmed it would receive 22 crew members from the Iranian‑flagged container ship Touska, which US forces seized in the Gulf of Oman last month. Islamabad described the transfer as a confidence‑building measure; the crew are to be returned to Iran.
The blockade and related attacks have left a large number of commercial vessels and seafarers affected. Maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine reported more than 900 commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf region as of April 29. The International Maritime Organization estimated up to 20,000 seafarers have been unable to transit the Strait since the conflict began.
Iran has maintained restrictions on many non‑Iranian ships since US and Israeli forces began attacking Iranian positions on February 28, threatening to strike vessels that pass without authorization. Tehran’s warnings and recent incidents have heightened the risk of direct confrontation if foreign military forces attempt to escort or intervene in shipments through the Strait.