The United States is launching a military operation, “Project Freedom”, to break the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. According to US Central Command, the mission will involve 15,000 troops and more than 100 aircraft. The start of the operation was announced by President Donald Trump.
The military component, CENTCOM said, includes guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, as well as multipurpose unmanned platforms. The command noted that the mission is intended to ensure the unimpeded passage of commercial vessels through the strait, which accounts for a quarter of global seaborne oil trade, as well as significant volumes of fuel and fertilisers.
“The concept of ‘Maritime Freedom’ is designed to combine diplomatic efforts with military coordination, which will be critical to the execution of ‘Project Freedom’,” the command said.
Trump said that countries from around the world, most of which are not involved in the Middle East conflict, had asked Washington to help free their vessels in the strait. According to the president, many of these ships are running low on food and other essential supplies.
“This process, known as ‘Project Freedom’, will begin Monday morning Middle East time. I am fully aware that my representatives are engaged in very positive negotiations with Iran, and these discussions may lead to positive outcomes for all sides,” Trump said. He described the movement of ships as a humanitarian gesture by the United States, Middle Eastern countries, and, in particular, Iran.
At the same time, the president warned that if the operation is obstructed, the United States is prepared to use force. “If this humanitarian process is in any way interfered with, then unfortunately that interference will have to be dealt with by force,” he added.