US launches 'Project Freedom' to safeguard shipping in Strait of Hormuz
According to a U.S. Central Command statement, about 15,000 U.S. servicemen and more than 100 aircraft will participate in 'Operation Project Freedom,' a mission aimed at coordinating safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. An Axios report says the initiative will inform seafarers about safe lanes but will not include escort vessels, although U.S. Navy ships will be positioned nearby to deter possible Iranian attacks. The Wall Street Journal notes the Navy has no plans to provide escorts, describing Project Freedom as a coordination mechanism among nations, insurers and shipping companies. The sources differ on whether Navy ships will actively escort ships, with Axios mentioning a presence for deterrence, while WSJ stresses no escort.