Story Content

On Sunday, President Donald Trump declared the start of the so-called Project Freedom, which entailed the US military beginning to guide and escort ships belonging to neutral countries into and out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday. The operation aims to help vessels stuck due to Iran’s effective closure of the critical waterway.

The US Central Command was confirmed to have engaged guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members to help merchant vessels in search of safe passage. Trump stated that it was a humanitarian effort on behalf of the innocent bystanders who were running low on goods and issued a threat that it would deal with any interference with this effort.

The action follows the larger campaign to reestablish the freedom to navigate the oil chokepoint of vital importance. Iran has responded strongly, terming it a possible breach of ceasefire agreements. Markets are keeping a close eye on the possible ways in which this high-stakes exercise will affect the global flows of energy. A proper description of how to execute is anticipated as the mission takes off.