Trump Launches Project Freedom to Reopen Blockaded Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump launched Project Freedom on May 4, 2026, a naval operation to escort approximately 2,000 stranded commercial vessels and 20,000 seafarers out of the Strait of Hormuz. The operation follows a two-month conflict between a U.S.-Israeli alliance and Iran, during which Iran blockaded the strategic waterway. U.S. Central Command deployed 15,000 service members, over 100 aircraft, and guided-missile destroyers to create a secure transit corridor, while simultaneously maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports to pressure Tehran.

Hostilities escalated immediately as the U.S. military reported destroying six to eight Iranian small boats targeting civilian shipping. Iran denied these losses and countered by launching ballistic missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates, causing a major fire at an oil installation in Fujairah. Conflicting reports emerged regarding a U.S. warship; Iranian state media claimed two missiles struck a vessel near Jask, while the U.S. military denied any ships were hit. Additionally, an explosion struck a South Korean-operated cargo ship, which Trump attributed to Iran, though Tehran denied involvement.

Despite the violence, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted that a fragile April 8 ceasefire remains in effect. Iran's leadership condemned Project Freedom as a ceasefire violation and a "project deadlock," while submitting a 14-point peace proposal via Pakistani mediators. Trump initially expressed skepticism toward the deal but later paused Project Freedom on May 6 to determine if a formal agreement could be signed. The conflict caused global oil prices to surge above $114 per barrel and triggered volatility in international stock markets.