Trump Launches ‘Project Freedom’ to Free Neutral Vessels from Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Talks

Project Freedom Targets Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump unveiled a Monday‑launch initiative aimed at shepherding vessels from “neutral and innocent” nations out of the Strait of Hormuz. In a Sunday post, he promised “we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways”.

“Project Freedom will begin at first light in the region,” Trump wrote.

U.S. officials say talks with Tehran could yield a very positive outcome, though they stress the negotiations are not about nuclear issues. Reuters reported that a cargo vessel near the strait was attacked by small craft, the latest of at least two dozen incidents since the Feb. 28 conflict began. British maritime monitors confirmed the crew survived, but Iranian state media claimed the ship was merely stopped for documentation checks. Iran maintains that any non‑U.S./Israeli ship may pass for a toll, a claim that challenges international navigation rights.

Economic Ripple Effects

The closure has strained markets; ↓ 1,840,000 rials per dollar was recorded on Tehran’s main exchange, hinting at further depreciation. U.S. Central Command has ordered 49 commercial vessels to turn back, a figure cited by Bloomberg. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Iran’s oil‑toll revenue is now under ↓ $1.3 million daily, far below pre‑war earnings. Diplomatic channels remain active: Iran’s 14‑point proposal, delivered via Pakistan, seeks sanction relief, port access, and a ceasefire, while Washington remains skeptical. The fragile truce holds, but Trump warned that additional strikes are still on the table.