Trump Pauses 'Project Freedom' Shipping Initiative in Strait of Hormuz After Two Days
President Donald Trump has announced a temporary pause in 'Project Freedom,' a US initiative designed to assist commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative, described by Trump as a "humanitarian gesture" for stranded vessels, was halted after only two days, with the President citing a need to pursue a potential agreement with Iran.
Since the US and Israel initiated wide-ranging strikes on Iran on 28 February, which killed Iran's Supreme Leader and hundreds of civilians, Tehran has responded by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas. This blockade has trapped an estimated 22,500 mariners aboard 1,550 commercial vessels within the Gulf, raising concerns over dwindling supplies and the welfare of crews.
US Central Command (Centcom) had deployed substantial assets, including guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members, to support 'Project Freedom.' Centcom confirmed that two US-flagged merchant vessels successfully transited the Strait with American military assistance, though Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps disputed these claims.
However, the operation quickly encountered resistance. The Iranian military reported firing upon "American and Zionist enemy destroyers," accusing US forces of disregarding their warnings. Centcom denied a warship was hit but confirmed Iran fired cruise missiles at US warships and US-flagged commercial vessels, while drones and small boats targeted commercial ships. A tanker affiliated with the UAE's state-owned oil company, Adnoc, was reportedly targeted by two drones, and a South Korean cargo vessel was also struck near the UAE.
Centcom commander Adm Brad Cooper stated that US attack helicopters sank six small Iranian boats targeting civilian vessels, a claim Iran denies. Iran has reiterated its intention to take "decisive action" against vessels that do not adhere to its approved transit routes.
Trump indicated the pause in 'Project Freedom' was made at the request of Pakistan, which is mediating negotiations between the US and Iran. He suggested "great progress" had been made towards a "complete and final agreement" with Iran, though the Strait would remain blockaded during this interim period.
Middle East expert Grant Rumley, who advised previous US administrations, commented that securing passage for ships in the Gulf would be "very, very hard," likely requiring a more "kinetic" military option. Nitya Labh of Chatham House described the US operation as "extremely risky" and "quite escalatory," adding that any success would likely be "a temporary relief at best."
Despite the exchanges, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth maintained that the broader ceasefire with Iran remained intact, characterising 'Project Freedom' as a separate undertaking. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine acknowledged Iran's multiple attacks on commercial vessels and US forces since the 8 April ceasefire, but stated these actions remained below the threshold for a resumption of major combat operations "at this point."
