Hegseth announces ‘Project Freedom’ to safeguard shipping in Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has directed U.S. Central Command to launch ‘Project Freedom’ to restore the free flow of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The operation is focused on protecting civilian vessels from Iranian aggression and is separate from previous operations. The U.S. issued a warning to Iranian forces, stating it is prepared to respond with overwhelming firepower.