Iran Blocks U.S. Warships and Fires on Vessels in Strait of Hormuz as Trump Announces 'Project Freedom'

May 5, 2026

Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz after US and Israeli air strikes on Iran, preventing US warships from entering and firing on vessels in the strategic waterway through which 20 percent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes. President Trump announced Project Freedom, deploying 15,000 service members, guided-missile destroyers, and over 100 aircraft to escort stranded ships through the strait, with Admiral Brad Cooper authorizing forces to sink six Iranian boats and shoot at vessels interfering with the operation. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps denied any successful transits and warned that movements opposing IRGC instructions face serious risks, while Major General Ali Abdollahi insisted safe passage must be coordinated with Iran. An estimated 20,000 sailors and 2,000 ships remain trapped in the Gulf with dwindling supplies, and fighting has continued with cruise missiles, drones, and attacks on commercial vessels including a South Korean cargo ship and an Adnoc-affiliated tanker.

Trump's 'Project Freedom' Initiative and U.S. Military Response

▪Admiral Brad Cooper said the US will shoot at any Iranian vessels deemed to be interfering with efforts to help ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
▪US Central Command announced that guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members would support Project Freedom.
▪White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said the United States is assuming risk on behalf of the international community to defend international commerce and guide stranded ships safely through the Strait of Hormuz.
▪President Donald Trump announced the US will help guide ships stranded by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
▪US Central Command said two US-flagged merchant vessels successfully transited through the Strait of Hormuz as part of Project Freedom.
▪Trump described Project Freedom as a humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries, and Iran.
▪Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper said attack helicopters supporting Project Freedom were used to sink six small Iranian boats targeting civilian vessels.

Iran's Blockade and Threats Against Foreign Vessels

▪The Iranian military said the Islamic Republic Navy prevented the entry of American and Zionist enemy destroyers into the Strait of Hormuz with a firm and swift warning.
▪Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz after the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran.

Military Confrontations and Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz

▪Iran launched a series of attacks following Trump's Project Freedom announcement.

Humanitarian Impact on Stranded Ships and Crews

▪An estimated 20,000 sailors and 2,000 ships have been trapped in the Gulf since the start of the war with Iran, according to the International Maritime Organisation.

Perspective of United States

▪Project Freedom represents the United States assuming risk on behalf of the international community to defend international commerce.
▪The United States portrays Project Freedom as a humanitarian gesture benefiting the Middle East and Iran itself.

Perspective of International Maritime Community

▪An estimated 20,000 sailors have been trapped in the Gulf since the start of the conflict with Iran.
▪Approximately 2,000 ships have been trapped in the Gulf since the start of the war with Iran.