Trump announces ‘Project Freedom’ for stranded ships

May 04, 2026, 09:13 am

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U.S. President Donald Trump gestures upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews on May 3. / Reuters

Donald Trump has announced a new plan to escort vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, according to major international media outlets including The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal on May 3.

Dubbed “Project Freedom,” the initiative was described by Trump as a humanitarian gesture for the United States and the Middle East, particularly Iran.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said multiple countries had asked the U.S. for assistance in helping ships trapped in the strait. “The United States will ensure these vessels are safely escorted so they can resume normal operations,” he wrote, adding that the move is “a humanitarian gesture for Iran, the Middle East, and the United States.”

Trump stated the operation would begin on the morning of May 4 (Middle East time).

The Strait of Hormuz is currently blocked due to Iran’s naval actions, including the deployment of mines, leaving around 2,000 vessels stranded. According to the International Maritime Organization, more than 20,000 seafarers remain trapped onboard, facing shortages of food and water.

A senior U.S. official said the plan would involve coordination among governments, insurers, and the shipping industry to facilitate vessel movements. However, it remains unclear how the escorts will be conducted, and the plan does not include direct escort by U.S. Navy warships.

Trump warned that any interference with the operation would prompt a strong response.

The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The two sides agreed to a ceasefire in April following military clashes in late February and are currently engaged in negotiations to end the conflict. Trump said Iran’s proposed 14-point framework was “unacceptable,” while Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated it had already received a U.S. response.

Although Trump expressed optimism about the progress of negotiations, uncertainties remain over both the execution of the plan and the outcome of diplomatic talks, as the two sides continue to differ significantly on key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.

#Donald Trump #Strait of Hormuz #Project Freedom #US Iran tensions #trapped ships