Trump Launches “Project Freedom” in Strait of Hormuz as Iran Warns of Ceasefire Violation

US President Donald Trump has announced a new maritime initiative called “Project Freedom,” aimed at escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing blockade tensions.

Trump described the operation as a “humanitarian” effort to assist crews stranded in the region and ensure safe passage for vessels affected by the restrictions. He stated that:

“neutral and innocent” countries have been affected by the Iran war, and “we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business.”

He further added that US forces would make every effort to ensure safe navigation, saying ships would not return until the region is declared secure.

Trump also claimed that “very positive discussions” were ongoing with Iran regarding a potential resolution to the conflict. US special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that Washington remains in communication with Tehran as both sides evaluate possible negotiations. Reports also suggest Iran has submitted a 14-point proposal “focused on ending the war” through regional mediation channels.

However, tensions escalated after Iran issued a strong warning against US involvement in the Strait of Hormuz. A senior Iranian parliament official stated:

“Any American interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire.”

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also warned Washington that it must choose between military escalation or a diplomatic settlement, referring to it as a decision between “an impossible operation or a bad deal.”

Meanwhile, the US Central Command outlined significant military resources for the mission, including guided-missile destroyers, aircraft, unmanned systems, and around 15,000 personnel deployed for operations in and around the Gulf region.

According to maritime intelligence data, hundreds of commercial vessels remain active in the Gulf area, increasing concerns over navigation safety amid the ongoing dispute.

Iran has maintained that it will treat any US interference in the Strait of Hormuz as a direct violation of the ceasefire agreement, further raising fears of escalation in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.