PALM BEACH, Florida – President Donald Trump on Sunday announced a new initiative called “Project Freedom” to unlock ships mired in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran.
“Countries from all over the World, almost all of which are not involved in the Middle Eastern dispute going on so visibly, and violently, for all to see, have asked the United States if we could help free up their Ships, which are locked up in the Strait of Hormuz, on something which they have absolutely nothing to do with — They are merely neutral and innocent bystanders!” Trump said on Truth Social.
“For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business. Again, these are Ships from areas of the World that are not in any way involved with that which is currently taking place in the Middle East.
U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft taxi at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The A-10 is able to deliver close air support when and where it is needed most. pic.twitter.com/Dl6xwtJxwJ
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 3, 2026
“I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait. In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else. This process, Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning, Middle East time.
BREAKING: A large cargo ship reports being attacked by multiple small boats in the Strait of Hormuz just 11 miles from Iran’s coast. pic.twitter.com/1t6XIfpw9H
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 3, 2026
“I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all. The Ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong — They are victims of circumstance.
“This is a Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran. Many of these Ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner. I think it would go a long way in showing Goodwill on behalf of all of those who have been fighting so strenuously over the last number of months.”
U.S. forces continue to patrol international waters and enforce the ongoing naval blockade against Iran. As of now, 45 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port to ensure compliance. pic.twitter.com/K682VHSXAq
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 1, 2026
The president concluded with a warning, saying: “If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.”
Ebrahim Azizi, the head of Iran’s Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, responded to Trump, indicating: “Any American interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire.”
“The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf would not be managed by Trump’s delusional posts!”
“No one would believe Blame Game scenarios!”
“The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf are not a place for rhetoric,” Azizi said in another post.
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