The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that about 15,000 American military personnel will participate in an operation called Project Freedom, which is scheduled to begin on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation was ordered by US President Donald Trump with the aim of ensuring the safe passage of ships and crews from non-belligerent countries through this strategic maritime chokepoint.
Trump described the measure as humanitarian in nature and said that some ships stranded in the Persian Gulf are facing shortages of food and basic necessities. At the same time, he warned that any attempt to disrupt the operation would face a decisive response from the United States.
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According to CENTCOM, the military support for this mission will include the deployment of guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 naval and land-based aircraft, multi-purpose unmanned systems, and thousands of military personnel. The command also stressed that the operation is intended to support commercial vessels seeking free passage through one of the world’s most important trade routes.
In this regard, two American officials told the Axios news website that US Navy warships will be stationed near shipping lanes to prevent potential attacks if necessary. According to these sources, one of the main tasks of American forces will be to provide precise information about safe maritime routes, especially routes considered less likely to contain naval mines.
Reports have also emerged indicating that Project Freedom functions primarily as a coordination mechanism involving not only military forces but also governments, insurance companies, and shipping industry stakeholders. However, some officials emphasized that the plan currently does not include direct naval escorts for commercial ships by warships.
These developments come as the Iranian regime has also proposed a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end maritime restrictions affecting its ports, stating that it has received the US response and is reviewing it. Meanwhile, some Iranian officials have warned against any American military presence in the area, describing it as a potential violation of the ceasefire.
In the same context, Iranian military commanders emphasized that any approach by foreign forces toward the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a response. They also urged commercial vessels to coordinate with forces stationed in the region in order to maintain their security.
