On Monday, May 4, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered United States Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for the Middle East region, to launch a new operation in the Strait of Hormuz area, codenamed Project Freedom.
Zdjęcia: CENTCOM
The operation will begin today and is intended to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the statement, the mission, directed by the U.S. president, will support commercial vessels seeking free transit through the key international trade corridor. It emphasized that one quarter of global oil trade, as well as significant quantities of fuel and fertilizers, is transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander.
Last week, the U.S. Department of State announced a new initiative, in cooperation with the Department of Defense, aimed at improving coordination and information sharing among international partners to support maritime security in the Strait. Freedom Project is intended to combine diplomatic efforts with military coordination, which will be crucial during the operation.
U.S. military support for Freedom Project will include guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members.
President Donald Trump announced the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the launch of Project Freedom last night on the social media platform Truth Social:
“Countries from all over the World, almost all of which are not involved in the Middle Eastern dispute going on so visibly, and violently, for all to see, have asked the United States if we could help free up their Ships, which are locked up in the Strait of Hormuz, on something which they have absolutely nothing to do with — They are merely neutral and innocent bystanders! For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business. Again, these are Ships from areas of the World that are not in any way involved with that which is currently taking place in the Middle East. I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait. In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else. This process, Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning, Middle East time. 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. The Ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong — They are victims of circumstance. This is a Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran. Many of these Ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner. I think it would go a long way in showing Goodwill on behalf of all of those who have been fighting so strenuously over the last number of months. If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Iran reacted sharply to the announcement of the operation, calling it a violation of the ceasefire and threatening to attack U.S. forces. Iranian officials described Trump’s posts as delusional. The United States emphasized that it is maintaining the blockade of Iranian ports but does not intend to block neutral commercial shipping.
The operation is part of the broader Maritime Freedom Construct initiative: diplomatic and military coordination with international partners. It will not necessarily involve a full escort for every commercial vessel, but primarily the presence of U.S. forces, the sharing of information on safe routes, and the deterrence of potential threats.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 3, 2026
UPDATE:
The Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates reported an Iranian attack.
تم رصد عدد أربعة صواريخ جوالة قادمة من إيران باتجاه الدولة حيث تم التعامل بنجاح مع ثلاث صورايخ فوق المياة الإقليمية للدولة وسقط آخر في البحر.
وأكدت وزارة الدفاع أن الأصوات المسموعة في مناطق متفرقة من الدولة هي نتيجة الاعتراض النجاح للتهديدات الجوية.
وتنوه الوزارة الجمهور الكريم… pic.twitter.com/LqHJ5oLzL9
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) May 4, 2026
تتعامل حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية مع اعتداءات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة قادمة من ايران وتؤكد وزارة الدفاع أن الاصوات المسموعة في مناطق متفرقة من الدولة هي نتيجة تعامل منظومات الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية للصواريخ الباليستية، والجوالة والطائرات المسيرة.
UAE Air Defences system… pic.twitter.com/j9mW4JucfW
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) May 4, 2026
Four cruise missiles launched from Iran were detected toward various areas across the country. Three were successfully engaged over the country’s territorial waters, while one fell in the sea.
The Ministry of Defense affirmed that the sounds heard in different parts of the… pic.twitter.com/ugwPRCcY24
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) May 4, 2026
تتعامل حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية مع اعتداءات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة قادمة من ايران وتؤكد وزارة الدفاع أن الاصوات المسموعة في مناطق متفرقة من الدولة هي نتيجة تعامل منظومات الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية للصواريخ الباليستية، والجوالة والطائرات المسيرة.
UAE Air Defences system… pic.twitter.com/fEiog7SwQq
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) May 4, 2026
Iranian attack on Qatari tanker.
Statement | Qatar Strongly Condemns Targeting of UAE ADNOC Tanker while Transiting Strait of Hormuz
Doha | May 04, 2026
The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attack that targeted an Emirati tanker operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), which was struck… pic.twitter.com/mqZ5mt3lyd
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) May 4, 2026
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