US Launches 'Project Freedom' Amid Iran Tensions
The US launched 'Project Freedom' to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the plan on Tuesday.
President Trump ordered it on Sunday. The US military began running it on May 4.
About 15,000 US troops are involved. Two US ships successfully passed through the strait on the first run.
But wider ship traffic has not resumed through the waterway. Hegseth said some early disruption was expected.
US forces sank several Iranian boats during the first escort run. Hegseth said the US is not looking for a fight with Iran.
He also said a ceasefire with Iran is still in place. But the US and Iran have exchanged fire in the Gulf.
Iran has attacked US forces more than 10 times since an April 8 ceasefire. General Dan Caine said this does not reach the level needed to restart major combat.
Iranian state media said Iran's control over the strait has grown stronger. Sources say about 1,550 ships carrying over 22,000 sailors are stuck in the Persian Gulf.
Key Terms 4
- Strait of Hormuz Narrow sea passage between Iran and Oman; vital for world oil shipping
- CENTCOM US military command responsible for the Middle East region
- Ceasefire An agreement to stop fighting between two sides
- Project Freedom US military operation to safely escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz