The United States has announced a new military-backed initiative to assist commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions in the region continue to disrupt one of the world’s most critical energy routes.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it will begin supporting “Project Freedom” from Monday, a mission aimed at helping merchant vessels secure safe passage through the strategic waterway. The operation comes under the direction of US President Donald Trump and is part of a broader effort to stabilise maritime traffic in the Gulf.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the initiative is designed to support commercial vessels seeking unrestricted navigation through the strait. It added that the US Departments of State and War have jointly launched what is being described as the Maritime Freedom Construct, intended to improve coordination and oversight of shipping movements in the region.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the mission is critical for both regional stability and the global economy, given the importance of the Strait of Hormuz to international trade. The narrow waterway is a key transit route for oil and liquefied natural gas, and disruptions there have already contributed to volatility in global energy markets.
According to Cooper, the operation will include the deployment of guided-missile destroyers, alongside more than 100 aircraft and approximately 15,000 military personnel. The scale of the deployment reflects growing concern over the safety of commercial shipping following months of heightened conflict in the Middle East.
The announcement comes as the United States continues to enforce a naval blockade targeting Iranian-linked maritime activity. While the blockade remains in place, Project Freedom is intended to provide a controlled and protected channel for vessels not directly involved in the conflict.
President Trump had earlier indicated that Washington was preparing to assist ships stranded in the strait, noting that several countries not involved in the regional conflict had requested US support to move their vessels safely through the area.
The Strait of Hormuz has been at the centre of escalating tensions since the outbreak of hostilities earlier this year, with shipping routes disrupted and access restricted at various points. The situation has led to delays, rising transport costs and uncertainty for global supply chains.
With Project Freedom now underway, US officials say the priority is to restore confidence in maritime routes while maintaining pressure on adversaries in the region. The success of the initiative is expected to play a significant role in determining how quickly normal shipping patterns can resume.
