Trump launches Project Freedom: 15,000 troops, 100 aircraft deployed to Hormuz Strait
US Navy (photo: USNavy)
The United States has officially launched a large-scale military operation to unblock ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. The project, dubbed Project Freedom, was announced by US President Donald Trump, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reports.
To carry out the president's task, the Pentagon is deploying unprecedented forces. It is reported that 15,000 service members will be involved in the mission. Air support will be provided by more than 100 modern aircraft and missile-equipped destroyers.
An interesting nuance: Donald Trump spoke in his statement about helping neutral ships, calling it a "humanitarian gesture," but the statement by the United States Central Command refers to restoring freedom of navigation, without specifying which ships exactly.
"US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will begin supporting Project Freedom, May 4, to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz," the military said in a statement.
What preceded the statement by the United States Central Command
During the night, Donald Trump said that countries whose ships are stuck in the strait had approached him. These are vessels of neutral countries, the United States leader emphasized, but their crews are in a difficult situation due to a shortage of supplies. Therefore, the White House press secretary announced the start of the operation.
After that, Iran warned the United States that any American intervention in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz would be regarded as a violation of the ceasefire. The head of the national security committee of the Iranian parliament made the corresponding statement.
Latest developments around the confrontation between the United States and Iran
It became known that Iran agreed to bring the country's nuclear program to the negotiating table with the United States. In addition, the revised agreement includes a proposal for the gradual restoration of operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the foreign minister of Germany held a phone call with the foreign minister of Iran. Berlin also called on Tehran to abandon nuclear weapons and open the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the Strait of Hormuz still being blocked, oil prices will fall by the end of the year, United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent assures. The reason will be the withdrawal of the United Arab Emirates from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, after which the United Arab Emirates will likely increase production volumes.
