US Army confirms start of Project Freedom operations in blocked Hormuz

US Launches Military 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. According to a spokesperson for the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the mission began on Tuesday.

The Strait of Hormuz has been at the center of tensions between the US and Iran, with Iran threatening to deploy mines, drones, missiles, and fast-attack craft to block the waterway. In response, the US has blocked Iranian ports and escorted transits for commercial vessels.

Ship owners and insurance companies have responded positively to the operation, which aims to ensure commercial ships can pass through the strait safely. The US military spokesperson stated that the operation is defensive in nature and focused on protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression.

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

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that Project Freedom is aimed at reopening the strait and allowing the passage of thousands of stranded commercial vessels. The operation will not require US forces to enter Iranian waters or airspace, according to Hegseth.

Iran denied any crossings had taken place, despite reports from shipping companies such as Maersk. 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 US operation has increased tensions between the two countries, with some analysts warning of a risk of miscalculation from both sides. The US President Donald Trump stated that Iran’s military had been reduced to firing “peashooters” and Tehran wanted peace.

Air Force General Dan Caine, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported that there are more than 1,500 vessels with about 22,500 crew trapped inside the Gulf. He also stated that Iranian attacks against US forces have fallen below the threshold of restarting major combat operations at this point.

Source: Al Jazeera