US Central Command Confirms Large-Scale Military Deployment in Response to Operation "Freedom Project"
The US Central Command (Centcom) has confirmed that the deployment related to Operation "Freedom Project" includes over 100 aircraft, naval and land assets, as well as approximately 15,000 troops, stating that it is a defensive mission aimed at protecting regional security and the global economy. The command also announced the launch of the "Maritime Freedom Framework" initiative, aimed at strengthening information sharing with international partners.
The US military has sunk six Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command.
Unprecedented Military Deployment
US President Donald Trump announced on his "Truth Social" platform that the US will launch Operation "Freedom Project" starting Monday, aimed at "liberating" ships blocked in the Strait of Hormuz. He presented the operation as a humanitarian initiative to help non-belligerent countries, stating that Washington will provide "escort and safe passage" for ships, while warning that it will respond firmly to any attempts to hinder the operation.
The Centcom stated that the deployment includes over 100 aircraft, naval and land assets, as well as approximately 15,000 troops, emphasizing that it is a defensive mission aimed at protecting regional security and the global economy.
The initiative also includes the launch of the "Maritime Freedom Framework," aimed at strengthening information sharing with international partners. However, Tehran has stated that its forces are responsible for securing the Strait of Hormuz and that any passage must be coordinated with them, warning that "any foreign force, particularly American, will be targeted if it approaches the Strait."
Blockade and Economic Consequences
The British Maritime Trade Operations has warned that the level of threat in the Strait remains "critical" due to ongoing military operations, highlighting the risks associated with mines and high maritime traffic density.
Iran has imposed strict navigation restrictions in the Strait since the beginning of the war, causing disruptions to trade and immobilizing hundreds of ships, while Washington maintains its maritime blockade of Iranian ports.
The Centcom has stated that it has redirected 49 ships to enforce the blockade, and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that sanctions "restrict the Iranian economy."
Oil Prices Plummet
Oil prices have fallen by over 2% following Donald Trump's announcement of Operation "Freedom Project" aimed at "liberating" ships blocked in the Strait of Hormuz, but remain high due to persistent tensions.
Escalation and Prudent Optimism
Pakistan's mediation continues. Tehran has announced that it is studying the US response to its 14-point proposal. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has described the Iranian proposal as "unacceptable," while media outlets indicate that Washington had presented a revised version of a potential agreement, emphasizing the inclusion of the nuclear file.
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed a phone call between Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi regarding the evolution of the mediation, emphasizing that dialogue remains "the only path to lasting peace and stability."
US newspapers, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, believe that Donald Trump's initiative to liberate ships blocked in the Strait of Hormuz marks a turning point in Washington's approach, and could carry risks of escalation in the event of an incident or direct confrontation.
The Axios website also considers this operation a test of the US ability to reopen the Strait without sliding into a large-scale military confrontation.
