Reactions and statements from the international community
Donald Trump announced the launch of the "Freedom Project" on Monday morning to safely guide ships from various countries through the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a humanitarian effort that will meet with a decisive response to any interference.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) endorsed President Trump's decision to launch "Project Freedom," aimed at restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has been restricting. Graham stated that diplomatic solutions have failed and called for a forceful response to Iranian actions if they continue.
WarMonitor reports that a US Navy mission through the Strait of Hormuz could be dangerous due to potential provocations by Iranian gunboats or the risk of encountering Iranian-laid mines.
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States will commence "Project Freedom" escort operations for ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday, stating that any disruption will be met with decisive and forceful action.
President Donald Trump announced that the United States will begin "Operation Liberty" on Monday to safely escort ships from neutral countries out of the Strait of Hormuz, following requests from these nations to free their detained vessels. Trump stated that this humanitarian effort will ensure the safe passage of ships and crews through the narrow waterway.
Multiple cargo vessels, bulk carriers, and tankers began departing from Ras Al Khaimah and Mina Saqr following a UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) alert that ships were instructed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) over VHF radio to clear the anchorage area.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps instructed commercial ships to vacate anchorage near Mina Saqr in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, claims to have evidence of UAE involvement in recent strikes on Iranian territory.
The U.S. Treasury Secretary stated on Fox News that the IRGC is a corrupt institution stealing from the Iranian people and that the U.S. has been intensifying economic pressure on Iran over the past year to suffocate the regime, warning that anyone attempting to transfer funds to Iran to assist the IRGC faces increased scrutiny.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News that the IRGC is a corrupt institution stealing from the Iranian people and holding assets abroad, which the U.S. is tracking and freezing to preserve for the Iranian people; he also noted increased economic pressure and cooperation from Gulf neighbors to block IRGC assets.
On Sunday, May 3, a bulk carrier ship near Sirik Port and en route through the Strait of Hormuz was targeted by several small vessels approximately 20 kilometers west of the port; all crew members are reported safe with no environmental damage.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday that the United States is implementing "Operation Epic Wrath" to economically strangle the Iranian regime, including rerouting 49 commercial ships as part of a naval blockade.
According to Israeli media reports, the Israeli army is preparing for a potential U.S. attack on Iran, coinciding with the CENTCOM commander's visit to the region; Benjamin Netanyahu stated that every point in Iran's airspace is accessible to Israel. Meanwhile, the IRGC Intelligence Organization claimed the U.S. faces an "impossible operation" or a "bad deal," and reports suggest heightened security in Tehran.
