What we know about Trump's 'Project Freedom' in Strait of Hormuz

What does the operation entail and could it lead to a resumption of hostilities?

On May 4, 2026, President Donald Trump announced a new U.S.-led initiative, "Project Freedom," aimed at guiding commercial ships safely through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict with Iran. The strait has been largely blocked since the war began on February 28, launched by the U.S. and Israel.

President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the United States would launch an operation to help tankers and cargo ships trapped in the Persian Gulf transit the waterway. Two U.S. destroyers entered the Persian Gulf on Monday, and two U.S.-flagged commercial ships exited it. Iran hit back by attacking commercial ships and targeting the United Arab Emirates with missiles and drones for the first time since the ceasefire began on April 8.

Project Freedom is the U.S. operation announced by President Donald Trump on 03 May 2026 and commenced by U.S. Central Command on 04 May 2026 to assist commercial shipping in transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which has been functionally closed since the outbreak of Operation Epic Fury on 28 February 2026.