U.S. Military to Escort Cargo Ships Through Closed Strait of Hormuz Starting Monday

U.S. will attempt to free stranded cargo ships trapped by the Strait of Hormuz closure since the war with Iran began. The effort, dubbed Project Freedom in a Truth Social post by Trump, is set to begin on Monday.

Trump described it as a humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern countries, and in particular Iran. Trump spoke to reporters as he departed the White House on May 1, 2026, in Washington, DC. Project Freedom focuses on getting civilian ships flagged in countries not affiliated with the conflict out of the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command detailed the operation in a social media post, stating it aims to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. S. forces involved in Project Freedom will include guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members.

About 20% of the world's crude oil transits the Strait of Hormuz. S. Central Command.

The Strait of Hormuz has been largely impassable since the war with Iran broke out. Iran has blocked transit through the Strait of Hormuz by firing on ships attempting to pass and laying mines in the waterway. S.

And Iran have been in a fragile ceasefire for over two weeks as the war stretches into its second month. Representatives of affected parties said they will not return ships to the area until it becomes safe for navigation. Trump told Congress on Friday that hostilities with Iran have terminated.

Vessels have been largely unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for months, disrupting key supply chains.