Two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Monday with U.S. Navy assistance, the first successful transit under President Donald Trump’s new “Project Freedom” operation.
U.S. Central Command confirmed the ships completed the passage safely. Navy guided-missile destroyers operated in the area in support of the effort.
Attacks Reported During Operation
Military tensions increased in the waterway as the operation began. Reports indicated several vessels came under attack amid Iranian threats to use force against ships attempting the crossing. U.S. forces responded to the incidents.
Iran claimed it struck a U.S. Navy ship. CENTCOM denied the claim and stated no American warships were hit. The U.S. continued to enforce its naval blockade on Iranian ports while supporting commercial shipping through the strait.
President Trump announced Project Freedom on Sunday via Truth Social. He described it as an effort to help ships from “neutral and innocent” countries exit the Persian Gulf.
The operation aims to restore freedom of navigation in the strait, which has been restricted amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
CENTCOM said its support includes guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and about 15,000 service members. The first phase focused on two U.S.-flagged cargo ships.
‘Project Freedom’ Objectives
President Trump announced the initiative a day earlier, describing it as a mission to assist ships from what he called “neutral and innocent” countries in exiting the Persian Gulf.
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CENTCOM said the operation involves significant military assets, including guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft across land and sea, unmanned systems, and approximately 15,000 service members.
Officials framed the effort as defensive, aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and serves as a vital route for global energy supplies. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil passes through the narrow channel.
Iran’s Response
Iran warned the United States against interfering in the strait. Iranian officials said any U.S. military involvement would violate the ceasefire and promised a strong response. Despite the threats, the two merchant vessels completed their transit on Monday.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It carries about one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil trade.
Iranian actions earlier in the conflict, including reported mining and attacks on shipping, had largely halted commercial traffic. The U.S. blockade on Iranian ports added further pressure on Tehran’s economy.
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Why This Matters
The successful transit marks the first concrete step by the Trump administration to reopen the strait since the current phase of restrictions began. It tests whether U.S. military presence can protect commercial shipping against Iranian opposition without triggering a wider conflict.
Oil markets have reacted to the disruptions with higher prices and concerns about global supply. Millions of barrels per day have been held back, affecting energy costs worldwide.
The outcome of Project Freedom could influence the flow of oil, the strength of the U.S. blockade, and the broader path of U.S.-Iran tensions, including any future talks.
U.S. officials have described the operation as defensive and aimed at supporting international commerce. Iran continues to assert control over the waterway. Further attempts to move additional ships will likely face similar challenges in the coming days.
