'Project Freedom is underway': Hegseth reveals plan to support safe shipping through Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. has launched ‘Project Freedom’ to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to secure maritime trade routes. Iran is targeting civilian and military vessels and imposing tolls on international companies’ goods, engaging in what the U.S. describes as ‘international extortion.’ Iran’s closure of the strait is driving up global energy prices and causing economic instability, prompting the U.S. to seek to diminish Iran’s leverage.