Trump's Project Freedom aims to escort Hormuz ships, but Iran's response keeps tensions high

President Trump unveiled 'Project Freedom' to guide ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz to safety, framing it as a humanitarian gesture, while Iran vows to resist and could see the operation as escalation. Centcom says a large US force is backing the effort, though how a possible escort would work remains unclear; two US-flagged vessels have reportedly transited, Iran's claim of hitting a US warship was denied, and a UAE-linked tanker was targeted by drones as tensions persist. The ceasefire is fragile and markets have shown limited reaction.