Washington, May 4, 2026 – The Europe Today: The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Sunday that it will begin supporting commercial shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz under a new initiative dubbed “Project Freedom,” authorised by Donald Trump.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, CENTCOM said the operation will commence on May 4 with the objective of restoring freedom of navigation for merchant vessels transiting the strategically vital waterway.
CENTCOM noted that the mission will involve a substantial military presence, including guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned systems, and approximately 15,000 personnel.
“Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade,” said CENTCOM Commander, Admiral Brad Cooper.
However, according to a report by Axios, the initiative may not include direct escort operations by US Navy vessels. Citing American officials, the report indicated that naval forces would instead remain in proximity to commercial ships, ready to respond if threats emerge.
Officials further stated that the US Navy intends to provide merchant vessels with guidance on safer maritime routes, particularly those not affected by potential hazards such as naval mines.
Separately, Trump said on his Truth Social platform that the United States would begin escorting neutral foreign vessels out of the Strait starting Monday morning (Middle East time), describing the move as a “humanitarian gesture” aimed at assisting countries impacted by ongoing tensions despite not being directly involved.
He added that several vessels in the region are facing shortages of food and essential supplies necessary to sustain large crews.
The initiative comes amid continued disruptions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit route, which have contributed to rising prices of energy, fertilisers, and key industrial commodities in recent months.
