U.S. Navy Begins Escort Operations in Strait of Hormuz as Trump Launches ‘Project Freedom’ to Restore Global Oil Flow

President Donald J. Trump announced today the launch of “Project Freedom,” a bold U.S.-led naval operation to escort commercial tankers and cargo vessels through the volatile Strait of Hormuz, aiming to break Iran’s effective blockade and stabilize skyrocketing global energy prices.

In a statement from Mar-a-Lago, Trump declared the operation “long overdue,” framing it as a decisive move to ensure freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical chokepoints. “We’re not going to let a defeated regime in Tehran hold the world hostage,” Trump said. “American warships are now escorting ships through the Strait. Oil will flow, prices will come down, and America will lead the way to peace through strength.”

The operation comes amid a months-long U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran that has seen Tehran threaten — and in some cases carry out — attacks on commercial shipping. Traffic through the strait, which handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments, has slowed to a near-standstill, driving oil prices above $130 per barrel at times and triggering economic ripple effects worldwide.

Pentagon officials confirmed that guided-missile destroyers from the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group have begun accompanying neutral-flagged tankers on transit missions. Initial convoys include vessels from allied nations carrying crude from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. U.S. officials emphasized that the escorts are focused on “neutral and friendly shipping” and are operating under rules of engagement that allow defensive action against Iranian fast-attack boats or other threats.

Early Successes and Lingering Risks

The first escorted convoy — a group of five supertankers — reportedly completed the passage without incident overnight, according to U.S. Central Command. Satellite imagery and maritime tracking data showed the vessels hugging the Omani side of the narrow waterway under the protective screen of American Arleigh Burke-class destroyers equipped with advanced anti-ship and anti-air defenses. However, risks remain high. Just hours before the announcement, a U.K.-flagged cargo ship reported an attempted swarm attack by small Iranian vessels near Sirik, Iran. No injuries were reported, but the incident underscored the persistent threat from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps naval forces, which have deployed dozens of fast-attack boats in recent days.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking from the Pentagon, said U.S. forces have achieved “dominant control of the airspace above the Gulf” following earlier strikes that degraded Iran’s missile capabilities. “Project Freedom is about more than oil — it’s about restoring deterrence and showing the world that America stands by its friends and keeps the seas open,” Hegseth said.

International Response Mixed

Trump has repeatedly called on allies and even competitors to join the effort. The UK, France, and Japan have signaled willingness to contribute warships, while China and South Korea have so far remained non-committal. European diplomats expressed cautious support but voiced concerns over escalation.

Oil markets reacted positively to the news. West Texas Intermediate crude futures dropped more than 8% in early trading as traders bet on resumed flows. Energy analysts estimate that successful, sustained escorts could restore up to 70% of pre-conflict transit volumes within weeks, easing pressure on global supply chains.Critics, including some Democratic lawmakers, warned that direct U.S. involvement could drag American forces deeper into conflict. “Escorts today can become shooting wars tomorrow,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT). Trump dismissed such concerns, posting on Truth Social: “The weak always warn of danger. The strong deliver results.”

Broader Context

The move builds on Trump’s earlier March pledges to provide U.S. naval escorts and political risk insurance through the Development Finance Corporation. With a fragile ceasefire holding in parts of the region but Iran still contesting the strait, Project Freedom represents a high-stakes test of American resolve.

White House officials said additional convoys are scheduled in the coming days, with plans to expand to include more international partners. For now, the world is watching whether Trump’s latest show of force can turn the tide in the Gulf — and bring relief to drivers and industries reeling from energy shock.