US launches 'Project Freedom' to escort neutral vessels from Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has said that American ships would begin escorting neutral foreign vessels safely out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday, describing the effort as a "humanitarian gesture."

Trump named the initiative "Project Freedom," saying many stranded ships were running low on essentials.

He told the Israeli media outlet Kan News that he studied Iran's latest proposal to end the war and found it "not acceptable."

Despite the dismissal, the US on Sunday submitted a newly revised draft agreement in response to Tehran’s latest 14-point proposal.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that its forces will begin supporting "Project Freedom" on 4 May to restore freedom of navigation.

The mission has been bolstered by guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, and 15,000 service members.

"Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security," said CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper, noting the US maintained its naval blockade.

https://t.co/6kFYBTZn8d

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 3, 2026

Hormuz tensions spike

The announcement coincided with reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) that a tanker had been struck by unknown projectiles approximately 125 kilometres north of the UAE's Fujairah.

While all crew are safe, the origin of the attack remains unknown.

In response to Trump’s latest announcement, Ibrahim Azizi, head of Iran's National Security Commission, warned that any US involvement in the Hormuz waterway would constitute a violation of the ceasefire.

Dismissing the plan and rejecting Washington's proposed role in the new maritime regime, he stated that the Strait would not be managed by Trump's social media posts.

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Source: TRT