Trump backs down; so‑called “Freedom Project” suspended

Pars Today – Donald Trump wrote that the plan known as the “Freedom Project” for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz has been suspended.

According to Pars Today, following the United States’ continued failures in dealing with the Strait of Hormuz issue, Donald Trump announced the suspension of the so‑called “Freedom Project,” which had been launched to allow ships to pass through the strait.

Attempting to cover up the failure of his plan, Trump repeated his usual claims and wrote: 

“Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.”

Just like many of his other actions that usually begin with media and publicity hype, Donald Trump launched the so‑called “Freedom Project” in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday morning. However, within the first few hours, the plan faced warning shots from Iran’s armed forces, and all ships that had intended to pass through the Strait based on Trump’s promises turned back.

In this regard, The New York Times wrote yesterday: “Ships are not crossing the Strait of Hormuz based on Trump’s words; companies are hesitant to send their vessels to the strait, and some say the U.S. offer to persuade them is insufficient.”

Meanwhile, The Telegraph reported on Tuesday: “The global shipping industry does not trust Trump’s plan for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Even with military escorts, many shipowners refuse to cross, as the operational risks and insurance costs remain high. Until the Iranian threat is reduced, a return to normal trade through this passage seems unlikely.”