U.S. President Donald Trump announced that "Project Freedom," a humanitarian operation to evacuate third-country vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, will begin on the morning of the 4th Middle East time (afternoon of the 4th Korea time). He warned that any interference with the operation would be met with a firm response.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social on the 3rd local time, saying, "Countries that have absolutely nothing to do with the conflict in the Middle East have asked the United States if we could help them get their ships, stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, out."
"Many of the ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz are running out of food, and the necessary items to live a healthy and sanitary life," Trump said. "This is a humanitarian action on behalf of the United States, the countries of the Middle East, and in particular, Iran."
"This process, which will be called 'Project Freedom,' will begin Monday morning, Middle East time," he stressed. "If this humanitarian procedure is interfered with in any way, unfortunately, we will have no choice but to deal firmly with the act of interference." He also conveyed that "in every case, (the ships leaving the Strait of Hormuz) have stated they will not return until the area is safe for navigation and in all other respects."
According to The Washington Post, about 2,000 vessels, including tankers and cargo ships, are anchored in the Persian Gulf, with approximately 20,000 crew members remaining on board.
U.S. online media outlet Axios assessed that "although President Trump claimed this is a humanitarian measure, it is a clear U.S. challenge to Iran's efforts to take control of the Strait of Hormuz." It also pointed out that "an Iranian military response could trigger an escalation that returns both sides to confrontation or even war."
