President Donald Trump said the United States will assist vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf in passing through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the move as a “humanitarian gesture” and a test of efforts to restore maritime traffic through the strategic waterway for the first time since the war with Iran began.
The initiative, called “Project Freedom,” was scheduled to start on Monday, with the US military expected to provide support including guided-missile destroyers, aircraft, and drones.
“The Ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong – They are victims of circumstance,” Trump wrote late Sunday in a social media post. “If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.”
Trump said that some of the vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf are carrying large crews who are running low on food supplies as they await safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that several countries have formally requested US assistance to help secure the release and movement of their ships through the waterway.
The plan has reportedly left shipping executives confused, as the president has provided few operational details.
Following Trump’s announcement, Iran’s military warned—according to Iranian state media Press TV, that US forces would be targeted if they entered the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the Joint Maritime Information Center said the US has established an “enhanced security area” to support vessel transits.
The multinational maritime body also advised ships to consider using Omani waters when crossing the strait and cautioned about possible mine threats north of the area.
Security incidents in the region also appeared to escalate.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that a tanker was struck by projectiles about 80 miles (129 km) north of Fujairah in the UAE on Sunday.
This came less than a day after another report of a bulk carrier being attacked by small boats.
