Project Freedom, the plan that was supposed to guarantee the transit of commercial ships and oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz thanks to US military support, lasted just under 48 hours. President Donald Trump has in fact announced on his social network Truth that he has suspended the initiative to encourage the signing of an agreement for a definitive truce with Iran.
The social statement
“In light of the request made by Pakistan and other countries, the extraordinary military successes achieved during the campaign against Iran and, furthermore, the considerable progress made towards reaching a complete and final agreement with Iranian representatives,” writes Trump, “we have mutually agreed that, while maintaining the blockade in place, Project Freedom (the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be suspended for a short period of time to verify whether the agreement can be finalized and signed”.
Only on Sunday 3 May did the President of the United States launch the mission through the marine corridor. The operation, however, immediately encountered Iranian hostility. Tehran responded by firing missiles and drones at two US destroyers and a South Korean vessel.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 3, 2026
What is Project Freedom
Hundreds of jets, warships, attack helicopters and thousands of military personnel. The Project Freedom mission is counting on these numbers to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. As repeatedly reiterated by the US Navy, the “project” has a “defensive” nature. The operation, unlike the bombings of the offensive on Iran called Epic Fury, does not involve raids on continental territory. The mission would have the task of coordinating, and not escorting, commercial ships and oil tankers still stuck on this side of the Strait of Hormuz. “We have contacted dozens of vessels to facilitate the flow of traffic, in line with the president’s intention to help guide ships safely,” Admiral Brad Cooper said before the project was suspended.
But the US invitation was not successful among commercial ship captains and shipowners. Precisely because Washington could not guarantee coverage from Iranian attacks.