Trump orders ‘Project Freedom’ to guide ships out of Strait of Hormuz: ‘Get on with their business’
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Sunday, May 3, announced a major US-led maritime operation to guide hundreds of stranded international ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the initiative will allow neutral parties to "freely and ably get on with their business."
The mission, titled 'Project Freedom,' is set to begin on May 4 in response to a growing humanitarian crisis and a recent spike in attacks against cargo ships in the volatile waterway.
Trump launches Project Freedom to secure global shipping
Trump revealed that numerous nations across the globe have contacted the US seeking assistance for ships currently immobilized near the critical waterway.
He framed the mission as a necessary step for international stability, writing, “For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, 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.”
Trump further clarified that the intervention is specifically targeted at helping those with no stake in the ongoing hostilities.
JUST IN: President Donald Trump has announced "Project Freedom" to safely guide vessels out of restricted waterways in a "humanitarian process" as U.S. representatives have "very positive discussions" with Iran. pic.twitter.com/hnbpqXj0xO
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) May 3, 2026
He stressed that “These are Ships from areas of the World that are not in any way involved with that which is currently taking place in the Middle East,” he added.
According to the president, 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 warns 20,000 seafarers face crisis in Hormuz
The urgency of Project Freedom follows a series of aggressive incidents in the strait, including a recent strike by multiple small craft against a cargo ship near the Iranian coast.
Beyond the threat of violence, Trump highlighted a deteriorating situation for the estimated 20,000 seafarers who have been stranded in the strait.
He warned that many of these crews are “running low on food, and everything else necessary for large scale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner.”
The president characterized the mission as a “Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran.”
Trump warns force if Project Freedom escorts blocked
As diplomatic talks between the US and Iran continue, Trump suggested that the safe passage of these ships could serve as a positive signal.
He noted that allowing the vessels to leave would “go a long way in showing Goodwill on behalf of all of those who have been fighting so strenuously over the last number of months.”
He indicated that his representatives are currently engaged in “very positive discussions” with Iran that could potentially lead to a broader breakthrough for the region.
However, the offer of safe passage was accompanied by a stern warning against any attempts to disrupt the escorts.
While the president expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, he made the consequences of aggression clear.
Trump concluded his announcement with a firm ultimatum, “If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.”
