The United States Navy has launched a military operation called “Project Freedom” to secure safe passage for commercial vessels through the blocked Strait of Hormuz, according to a US Central Command spokesperson. The operation, which has just begun, aims to reopen the vital waterway that has been effectively sealed by Iran amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran that started on February 28. US officials said the initiative is defensive, temporary, and focused on protecting international shipping from Iranian threats involving mines, drones, missiles, and fast-attack craft.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that ten civilian sailors have died in the conflict and that the US Navy destroyed seven Iranian fast boats. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said thousands of commercial vessels remain stranded, while two US-flagged ships have reportedly crossed the strait under military escort. Iran denied any crossings and rejected accusations of attacking the United Arab Emirates, though it admitted firing warning shots at a US warship.

Analysts warned that the operation increases the risk of miscalculation between the US and Iran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps issued new navigation corridors and threatened a decisive response to violations, while US leaders insisted Iran cannot block international commerce.