Trump Announces 'Project Freedom' to Guide Ships through Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has announced the launch of "Project Freedom," a humanitarian naval mission scheduled to begin Monday morning Gulf Standard Time. The operation is designed to guide neutral ships currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz to safety. While the U.S. frames the move as defensive, officials warned of a forceful response to any interference. This development comes as the administration continues its maritime blockade of Iranian ports, claiming the interception of 42 vessels and the seizure of cargo. On the diplomatic front, the Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed it is reviewing the U.S. response to a 14-point proposal intended to end regional hostilities. The Iranian plan specifically excludes nuclear talks, focusing instead on terminating kinetic conflict in the region, including Lebanon. Although President Trump has stated the war has "terminated," he previously characterized Iran's specific terms as "unacceptable." Intelligence arms of the IRGC have warned the U.S. to choose between an "impossible operation" or a "bad deal," citing a shifting geopolitical landscape. Domestically and internationally, the administration faces mounting pressure. European allies have expressed frustration over a lack of consultation regarding military actions, a tension exacerbated by U.S. plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. In Washington, Republican lawmakers led by Senator Susan Collins have called for a clear exit strategy and increased congressional oversight, noting that the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Act expired on May 1.