Trump says U.S. will 'free' ships trapped in Persian Gulf by Strait of Hormuz closure

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he departs the White House on May 1, 2026 in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker | President Donald Trump said Sunday that the U.S. will attempt to "free" stranded cargo ships that have been trapped by the Strait of Hormuz closure since the war with Iran began. The effort, which Trump in a Truth Social post dubbed "Project Freedom," is set to begin on Monday. The president said the effort is focused solely on getting civilian ships that are flagged in countries not affiliated with the conflict out of the contested waterway so they can "freely and ably get on with their business." "I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait," Trump said. "In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else." Trump provided no details on how the U.S. would attempt to conduct such an operation, nor how U.S. military forces would be involved. It is also unclear whether Iran will allow the U.S. to conduct the operation without interference amid the ongoing conflict, and when the strait will reopen for regular transit. The White House and Department of Defense did not immediately respond to requests for more information. The strait has been largely impassable since the war broke out, stranding cargo vessels and choking off a key supply chain. …