Iran latest: 'Project Freedom' underway as Trump warns Iran not interfere

The hundreds of ships and thousands of sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz looked forward to the possibility of finally escaping the contested waterway on Monday. 

On Sunday, President Donald Trump revealed the plan, dubbed "Project Freedom," to help the vessels stranded by the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran. In a social media post, he pointed out that many of the people on board those ships are running out of food and supplies.

"They are victims of circumstance," Trump wrote in his post. "This is a Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran."

Trump stated that the escorts would be prepared to act forcefully against anyone who interfered with the passage. U.S. Central Command indicated guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, and 15,000 service members would be involved in the effort, but the Defense Department did not say how they would be deployed.

Ebrahim Azizi, head of the national security commission of Iran's parliament, responded to Trump’s post on X, saying that U.S. intervention in the Strait of Hormuz would violate the ceasefire, adding, "The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf would not be managed by Trump's delusional posts!"

Many of the sailors currently stuck come from India and other countries in south and Southeast Asia. Trump noted that ships and crew who will be escorted have indicated that they will not return until hostilities are over.

Here's the latest: 

Iran will be ‘blown off the face of the Earth’

1:03 p.m. ET: President Trump issued a new warning to the Iranian regime if they try to interfere with "Project Freedom" and the U.S. effort to assist shipping vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Trump said in an interview with FOX News' Trey Yingst on Monday, that Iran will be "blown off the face of the Earth" if they attack U.S. vessels carrying out Project Freedom.

"We have more weapons and ammunition at a much higher grade than we had before," Trump said. "We have the best equipment. We have stuff all over the world. We have these bases all over the world. They’re all stocked up with equipment. We can use all of that stuff, and we will, if we need it."

US sinks 6 Iranian small boats

12:45 p.m. ET: Adm. Brad Cooper, who heads U.S. Central Command, said U.S. military helicopters have sunk six Iranian small boats that were targeting civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier on Monday, a top commander said Iran launched multiple cruise missiles, drones and small boats at ships the U.S. military was protecting.

First two ships transited through strait

8:35 a.m. ET: United States Central Command confirms two U.S.-flagged ships have been successfully escorted through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The U.S. military have officially commenced operation "Project Freedom," to help the vessels stranded by the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran.

No US ships hit

8:05 a.m. ET: United States Central Command confirms no U.S. ships have been struck at the U.S. blockade at the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iranian state news agencies claimed Iran had struck a U.S. vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing it of "violating maritime security and navigation norms." 

Iran fires warning shot

7:42 a.m. ET: A senior Iranian official says Iran fired a warning shot against a U.S. Navy ship near the Strait of Hormuz. 

"Iran fired a warning shot against U.S. warship to prevent its entry into Strait of Hormuz, unclear whether there was any damage," the official said.

Crew of seized Iranian tanker moved

6:22 a.m. ET: The crew of the MV Touska, a ship seized by the U.S. military, is being evacuated to Pakistan overnight. 

Pakistan's foreign ministry said the ship will be taken to Pakistani territorial waters for repairs and the 22-member crew will be first flown to Pakistan, and then later handed over to Iranian authorities. 

The process was coordinated with the support of Iran and U.S. authorities.  

 

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