WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) – President Trump on Sunday announced the launch of “Project Freedom,” a U.S.-led operation to escort neutral ships through the Strait of Hormuz with military force if necessary, framing it as a humanitarian effort to aid vessels uninvolved in the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The initiative is set to begin Monday morning, Middle East time, while negotiations with Iran continue, according to a statement attributed to Trump.

“Countries from all over the World, almost all of which are not involved in the Middle Eastern dispute going on so visibly, and violently, for all to see, have asked the United States if we could help free up their Ships, which are locked up in the Strait of Hormuz, on something which they have absolutely nothing to do with — They are merely neutral and innocent bystanders!” the statement read.

Trump said the U.S. will guide the ships safely out of the restricted waterways so they can resume normal operations. He emphasized that the vessels belong to nations not party to the regional tensions.

“For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business,” the statement continued.

The president described the move as a humanitarian gesture, noting that many ships are running low on food and other supplies for their crews.

“This is a Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran,” it said. “Many of these Ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner.”

Trump warned that any interference with the operation would be met with force.

“If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully,” the statement said.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region involving U.S. naval operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Details on participating nations, the scale of U.S. military involvement or specific coordination with allies were not immediately available.

VINnews will continue to monitor developments.