What was 'Project Freedom', and why was it suspended so quickly?

‘Project Freedom’ was a short-lived US plan announced by Trump late on Sunday to guide vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and break Tehran’s chokehold on the waterway, introduced alongside a blockade. It was shelved just days later after Iran expanded its area of control, announced a new transit protocol for vessels, and continued attacking ships—rendering the initiative ineffective amid escalating threats and near-zero traffic through the strait.

What is the current status of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and how are shipowners responding?

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has remained at near zero, with the waterway virtually empty for days; attacks continue, including a recent strike on a cargo vessel by an unknown projectile. In response, around 400 vessels have gathered in a cluster off Dubai just outside Tehran’s newly declared control zone—up from about 300 after around 100 entered on Tuesday—reflecting shipowners’ urgent search for safe, credible alternatives while avoiding transit altogether.

Shipowners Grapple for Fixes in Hormuz After Trump Drops Plan

May 6, 2026

Trump suspended 'Project Freedom' to secure the Strait of Hormuz, leaving shipowners facing Iranian threats and near-zero traffic. Nearly 400 vessels cluster outside Tehran's zone as commercial shipping risks remain elevated.

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