U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that “Project Freedom” will commence on Monday morning (Middle East time), a mission designed to escort over 900 commercial vessels currently trapped in the Gulf due to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Despite the military escalation, Trump noted that “very positive discussions” are taking place regarding a long-term solution to the war.
This follows a statement from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, who confirmed that Tehran submitted a 14-point peace plan to Washington via Pakistani mediators.
”I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
THE SCOPE OF PROJECT FREEDOM
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the operation is a massive undertaking aimed at restoring maritime flow through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been under an Iranian stranglehold since the conflict began.
The mission will involve:
- 15,000 U.S. service members
- Guided-missile destroyers
- Over 100 land and sea-based aircraft
- Multi-domain unmanned platforms
Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, described the mission as a “humanitarian gesture” and a “defensive mission” essential to the global economy, as many crews on the marooned ships are reportedly running low on food and medical supplies.
REGIONAL CONTEXT AND CONFLICT TIMELINE
The hostilities reached a peak on February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader. While an April 8 ceasefire paused direct strikes, the regional economy remains paralyzed by a dual blockade: Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz and a U.S. counter-blockade of Iranian ports.
As of April 29, maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine reports that 900 commercial vessels remain stuck in the Gulf, down from 1,100 at the start of the war.
Project Freedom aims to guide these ships safely out of the restricted waterways so they can resume international trade.