National Defense
Trump Announces Humanitarian Mission To Free Ships Stranded By Iran War
(U.S. Navy Photo)
President Donald Trump announced Sunday afternoon he was ordering the United States Navy to begin “Project Freedom” to guide ships stranded in the Persian Gulf to safety.
Trump imposed a blockade of Iran on April 12 after the Islamic regime imposed a toll on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The move came days after Iran declared it would allow passage of 12 ships per day that paid a $1 per barrel toll in either Chinese yuan or cryptocurrency. Trump’s new announcement on Truth Social stated the “humanitarian gesture” addressing “victims of circumstance” would start Monday morning, local time.
“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 posted. “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.”
“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,” Trump continued. “This process, Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning, Middle East time. 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.”
Trump sounded a pessimistic note on the status of diplomatic talks Friday while talking with reporters before boarding Marine One.
“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,” Trump said. “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,” Trump continued. “If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
In its own post to X, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Sunday it would commence Project Freedom in the coming hours.
“Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade,” CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in the statement.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 3, 2026
“U.S. military support to Project Freedom will include guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members,” the statement concludes.
Trump administration officials repeatedly asserted Iran posed a threat to the United States, but have not gone into specific details. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. launched its strikes because American casualties could have resulted from Iran’s retaliation for a planned Israel Defense Forces operation.
Former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent resigned in March over the conflict, claiming the United States started Operation Epic Fury “due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”
The New York Times reported April 7 that, despite skepticism from Vice President JD Vance and other officials, Trump was convinced to launch the strikes against Iran during a February visit to the White House by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This article was updated with a statement from CENTCOM.
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