What is Trump’s ‘Project Freedom’? Iran fires missiles at US warship in Strait of Hormuz after…

Amid stalled negotiations between Tehran and Washington, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Monday said they fired missiles at an American warship moving near the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC’s action came after US President Donald Trump launched “Project Freedom” to break Iran’s blockade in the critical waterway.

What is ‘Project Freedom’?

According to an Al Jazeera report, Trump on Sunday launched the ‘Project Freedom’ campaign with an aim to break Iran’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, purportedly at the request of “neutral and innocent” countries whose ships are stuck in the strategic waterway.

In a Truth Social post, Trump that several countries around the world, which are not involved in the West Asia conflict, have asked the United States to help free up their ships locked up in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump described these countries as “neutral and innocent bystanders”, who have nothing to do with the Middle Eastern dispute.

“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,” he wrote.

Trump suggests Iran supports his ‘Project Freedom’ plan

Trump announced that his ‘Project Freedom’ would begin Monday morning, and described it as a “humanitarian gesture” on behalf of the US, Gulf states and Iran, suggesting that Tehran was purportedly on board with his plan.

“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.”

The US president warned any interference with this “humanitarian process” will “have to be dealt with forcefully”, adding that ships evacuated from the Strait have said “they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation”.

IRGC claims US ship struck by Iranian missiles

Meanwhile, hours after Trump’s ‘Project Freedom’ began, the IRGC-linked Fars News Agency citing local sources reported that a frigate — which had been moving near Jask on Monday, came under missile attack after ignoring warnings from the naval forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Citing sources, Fars reported that the Iranian strikes forced the US vessel to to turn back and flee the area.

How US responded to Iran’s claims?

In response to Iran’s claims, US Central Command (CENTCOM) asserted that none of its ships was struck, and that US naval forces continue to support Project Freedom as the naval blockade on Iranian ports continues.

“CLAIM: Iranian state media claims that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps hit a U.S. warship with two missiles. TRUTH: No U.S. Navy ships have been struck. U.S. forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports”, CENTCOM posted on X