Trump Announces 'Project Freedom': US Navy to Escort Stranded Ships Through Strait of Hormuz

President Trump announced 'Project Freedom' on May 3, 2026 via Truth Social — a plan to deploy US Navy assets to guide stranded commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blocked to most non-Iranian shipping since the start of the war on February 28. Approximately 2,000 vessels carrying up to 20,000 seafarers were stranded in or near the strait, with many running low on food and supplies. Trump called the operation a 'humanitarian gesture' and announced the deployment of guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, unmanned platforms, and approximately 15,000 service members — with escort operations to begin Monday May 4. The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas exports; before the conflict, over 100 ships transited daily. The IMO documented at least 19 vessel attacks since the conflict began, killing 10 seafarers and injuring 8. US national gas prices had climbed to $4.44/gallon. The announcement raised immediate concerns about confrontation with Iran, which has warned against any foreign military presence in the strait. Defense analysts noted a key constraint: fewer than a dozen US Navy vessels are specifically configured to defend commercial shipping in the confined, mine-rich Hormuz passage. Iran issued an immediate military threat (see May 4 events).