Trump orders US military escorts for commercial ships in Persian Gulf amid Iranian blockade

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced a major military deployment to the Strait of Hormuz as part of “Operation Freedom,” dispatching guided-missile destroyers, combat aircraft, and 15,000 personnel to the strategic waterway.

In a statement released by the command, officials specified that the primary objective of the mission is to provide support and ensure safe passage for commercial vessels seeking to transit the critical international trade corridor.

Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, underscored the strategic weight of the deployment in an assessment of the ongoing operations.

“At a time when we are also supporting a maritime blockade, our commitment to this defense-oriented mission is vital for both regional security and the global economy,” Cooper stated.

US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the US would provide escorts for commercial vessels currently stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

The implementation of this military movement, which President Trump has designated “Project Freedom,” is scheduled to commence on the morning of Monday, May 4.

Regional tensions escalated sharply following the outbreak of war in Iran, after which the government in Tehran announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and began laying naval mines in the surrounding waters.

Prior to the current hostilities, the route served as the transit point for 15% to 20% of the world’s total supply of petroleum, condensates, and refined products, as well as more than 30% of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

The US administration moved to implement a maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on April 12.

According to the Pentagon, no maritime vessels—including Iranian mine-laying ships—were able to transit the strait during the first two days after those restrictions came into effect.

In late April, President Trump authorized the US Navy to use direct force, issuing instructions to strike and sink any vessel attempting to lay mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized Washington’s position on the matter, warning that if Iran continues to deploy mines in the region, the US will interpret such actions as a violation of the ceasefire.

Previously, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy had established designated routes for transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

In its communications, the IRGC stated that vessels must coordinate their movements with the Guard Corps, citing the presence of naval mines in the waterway.