Trump’s ‘Project Freedom’ Gains Support as US Signals Tougher Stance on Iran Shipping Crisis

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has endorsed former US President Donald Trump’s proposed maritime initiative, “Project Freedom,” backing a tougher US posture as tensions with Iran deepen and diplomatic efforts struggle to find traction.

The plan, announced over the weekend, would allow U.S. forces to escort commercial vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane through which a significant share of the world’s oil supplies passes. The proposal follows requests from multiple countries seeking assistance to move ships caught in the escalating regional crisis.

Graham, a senior Republican voice on national security, said recent negotiations with Tehran had failed to yield credible progress, accusing Iran of acting in bad faith. “It is clear to me that Iran is playing games through negotiations,” he wrote on social media platform X, calling the latest Iranian proposal to end the conflict “absurd.”

While reiterating his preference for diplomacy, Graham signalled that the window for talks may be closing. “Again, I hope this conflict can end diplomatically, but it is now time to regain freedom of navigation and forcefully respond to Iran if they insist on terrorizing the world,” he said.

Trump, outlining the initiative on Truth Social, said countries “from all over the world” had approached Washington for help to free vessels “locked up” in the waterway despite having no involvement in the conflict. He said the United States would step in to guide ships and crews safely through restricted routes.

Framing the effort as both strategic and humanitarian, Trump said many vessels were running low on essential supplies, with crews facing deteriorating conditions. He described them as “victims of circumstance” and said the operation aimed to ensure they could resume normal commercial activity.

“Project Freedom” is scheduled to begin on Monday, Middle East time, with U.S. officials instructed to use “best efforts” to secure safe passage. Trump also issued a warning that any interference with the operation would be met with a forceful response.

Despite the hardening rhetoric, diplomatic engagement continues. U.S. officials have described ongoing discussions with Tehran as “very positive,” even as key differences remain unresolved. Iran has put forward proposals seeking an end to hostilities across multiple fronts, alongside demands for sanctions relief, release of frozen assets and a reduction of U.S. military presence near its borders.

According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, Tehran is reviewing Washington’s response to its latest proposal. Reports suggest differences persist over the duration of a potential ceasefire, with the United States favouring a longer pause while Iran pushes for a shorter timeline tied to a broader settlement.

As Washington prepares to move ahead with its maritime plan, the balance between deterrence and diplomacy remains delicate in one of the world’s most volatile strategic corridors.

(With inputs from ANI)