US Army confirms Project Freedom operations have started in blocked Hormuz

US Launches “Project Freedom” Operation in Strait of Hormuz

A military operation titled “Project Freedom” has been launched by the US Navy to secure a safe passage of commercial vessels through the blocked Strait of Hormuz. The operation, which began on Tuesday, aims to ensure that commercial ships can pass through the strait safely.

The Strait of Hormuz has been at the center of tensions between the US and Iran since February 28, when the conflict began. Iran has threatened to deploy mines, drones, missiles, and fast-attack craft to block the strait, while the US has responded by blockading Iranian ports and mounting escorted transits for commercial vessels.

According to a spokesperson for the US Central Command, ship owners and insurance companies have responded positively to the operation. The operation is focused on protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression and will not require US forces to enter Iranian waters or airspace.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that 10 civilian sailors have died due to the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. He also reported that the US Navy has destroyed seven Iranian fast boats in the waterway.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that “Project Freedom” is a defensive operation with the goal of reopening the strait and allowing the passage of thousands of stranded commercial vessels. He added that Iran cannot be allowed to prevent international commerce.

Iran has denied any crossings have taken place, despite reports from shipping company Maersk that a US-flagged ship exited the Gulf under a US military escort on Monday. Several merchant ships in the Gulf reported explosions or fires on Monday, and the United Arab Emirates claimed to have come under an Iranian attack.

The operation has increased tensions between the US and Iran, with some analysts warning of the risk of miscalculation from both sides. The US President has stated that Iran’s military is reduced to firing “peashooters” and Tehran wants peace despite public sabre-rattling.

Source: Al Jazeera