04.05.2026 06:51
US President Trump announced on Monday that they will launch an operation called 'Project Freedom' to rescue ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said, 'This ship movement aims only to free people, companies, and countries that have absolutely done nothing wrong; they are victims of the situation.'
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday the launch of an operation called "Project Freedom" to rescue commercial ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. In his statement, Trump emphasized that the ships and companies in the region are innocent victims with no fault, and the sole purpose of the operation is to ensure the free movement of these vessels.
TRUMP: WE WILL SAFELY EXTRACT THE SHIPS FROM HORMUZ
Trump said in his statement: "Countries from all over the world, many of which have no connection to this visibly and violently ongoing conflict in the Middle East, have asked the United States if we can help rescue their ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. These countries have absolutely nothing to do with what is happening; they are merely neutral and innocent bystanders!
For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these countries that we will safely extract their ships from these restricted waterways, so they can freely and properly continue their business. I repeat, these are ships from regions of the world that have no connection whatsoever to what is currently happening in the Middle East. I have instructed my representatives to inform them that we will make every effort to safely remove their ships and crews from the Strait.
"PROJECT FREEDOM BEGINS"
In all cases, they have stated they will not return until the region becomes safe for navigation and everything else. This process, called Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning Middle Eastern time. I am fully aware that my representatives have been conducting very positive discussions with the Iranian State, and these talks could lead to something very beneficial for everyone.
"MANY SHIPS ARE RUNNING OUT OF CREW FOOD"
This ship movement is solely intended to free people, companies, and countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong; they are victims of the situation. This is a humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern countries, and especially the Iranian State. Many of these ships are running out of food and everything else necessary for the large-scale crews to remain healthy and hygienic onboard.
I believe this will be a very important step as a sign of good faith on behalf of everyone who has been fighting so fiercely in recent months. If this humanitarian process is obstructed in any way, this intervention will unfortunately have to be addressed using force. Thank you for your interest in this matter!"
HORMUZ CRISIS
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on March 2 that the Strait of Hormuz was closed to transit following the US/Israel attacks on February 28.
U.S. President Donald Trump, after the failure of the negotiation process with Iran held in Pakistan, stated in a post on his social media platform that they would initiate the process of blockading the Strait of Hormuz.
Immediately following this statement, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) expressed on April 13 that it would begin a naval blockade on all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.