'Can bear fruit': Graham says of Trump's Iran shipping plan and outlines what a deal must include

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Lindsey Graham on Saturday, May 9, voiced support for President Donald Trump’s proposed 'Project Freedom Plus', endorsing the maritime security framework as the administration weighs its next steps in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing negotiations with Iran.

Graham described the proposal as a significant strategic shift, particularly for ensuring the safe passage of international shipping through one of the world’s most critical trade corridors.

The endorsement came as Trump indicated that the United States could restart the now-paused 'Project Freedom' initiative if diplomatic efforts with Tehran fail to produce an agreement. The White House has temporarily suspended the maritime security operation while maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Lindsey Graham calls expanded maritime plan a 'game changer'

In a post on X, Graham said that the administration’s proposal, described by Trump as 'Project Freedom Plus', could strengthen international maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have risen following recent clashes involving US and Iranian forces.

“The idea of Project Freedom Plus is very intriguing, and I believe it can bear fruit,” Graham wrote. “Providing a path for safe passage of international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, in the face of Iranian resistance, is a game changer.”

Graham said the “plus” element should include broader international participation and “limited kinetic activity,” signaling support for a more expansive coalition-based approach to securing commercial shipping routes.

Graham also outlined conditions he believes should be part of any negotiated settlement with Iran, particularly regarding Tehran’s regional alliances and backing of armed groups in the region.

Graham said any agreement should address Iran’s support for its regional proxy networks and include clear consequences for continued military backing of allied groups. 

Graham said regional stability in Lebanon and Syria, as well as long-term security for Israel, would depend on those conditions being addressed in any final agreement.

He concluded by thanking officials involved in the negotiations and said he was praying for “a successful outcome.”

Trump says maritime initiative could resume if talks stall

Trump said on Friday that 'Project Freedom' remains under temporary suspension, but warned it could be revived if negotiations with Iran fail to progress. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “We’ll go a different route if everything doesn’t get signed up, buttoned up.”

He added,  “I think Project Freedom is good, but I think we have other ways of doing it also. We may go back to Project Freedom if things don’t happen, but it’d be Project Freedom plus, meaning Project Freedom plus other things.” 

Trump also said that the pause was agreed upon after requests from Pakistan and other countries involved in mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran.

Trump said the pause would allow time “to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed,” while confirming that the naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place.