Trump Launches "Project Freedom" to Escort Ships Through Strait of Hormuz

President Trump announced a new military escort effort Monday, directing U.S. forces to guide neutral ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz so they can, as Trump put it, "freely and ably get on with their business." The initiative, which Trump is calling Project Freedom, began this morning.

U.S. Central Command said more than 15,000 American service members will support the operation, using over 100 land and sea-based aircraft. Trump noted the ships involved are from neutral countries not party to the conflict, and that they asked for help.

The announcement came with immediate pushback from Iran. The country's military warned that foreign forces, especially American ones, will be attacked if they approach or enter the Strait. Iranian state media also claimed Iranian forces stopped a U.S. destroyer from entering the waterway, though the U.S. military denied that, saying its destroyers are already operating in the Gulf and actively helping ships pass.

When pressed on whether the U.S. might strike Iran again, Trump did not rule it out. "It's a possibility that could happen certainly," he said.

Trump also sent a letter to Congress arguing that a 1973 law requiring congressional approval to continue military operations after 60 days does not apply, pointing to an ongoing ceasefire. Democrats pushed back sharply. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island said "the language of the statutes does not provide for timeouts like in a football game," and Senator Adam Schiff of California called the war "unlawful and unconstitutional from the start."

U.S. warships are still enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports, which the administration says is working. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the policy is "suffocating the regime," though Americans are also feeling the pressure through rising gas prices. Trump has rejected Iran's offer to reopen the Strait in exchange for lifting the blockade, saying any deal must include a commitment to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.