As of early June 2026, President Donald Trump’s strategy for the Strait of Hormuz has included direct efforts to guide and protect shipping, though the approach has evolved from public announcements to more discreet methods.
Trump’s “Project Freedom” (May 2026): In early May 2026, President Trump announced “Project Freedom,” a U.S. initiative designed to “guide” commercial ships, particularly those not involved in the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran, out of the strait, which had been effectively blocked by Iranian forces. -——— NPR
Methodology: The initiative initially featured US Central Command (CENTCOM) utilizing guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and 15,000 personnel to provide a “defensive umbrella”. It was explicitly designed as a “coordination mechanism” to help ships avoid Iranian mines and interference, rather than a traditional, one-on-one Navy escort for every vessel.
After an initial announcement and start, Trump announced a temporary pause in “Project Freedom” on May 5, 2026, to allow for potential diplomatic agreements with Iran. ———BBC
Following the pause of “Project Freedom,” the U.S. has transitioned to a quieter approach, coordinating with shippers to navigate the area, often at night and near the Omani coast, with the US military offering support when necessary. -——— The Straits Times
Throughout the period, the administration has maintained that it will use force, including conducting “self-defense strikes” against Iranian forces, to ensure the free flow of energy through the region.
The strategic goal of this action is to break the Iranian blockade of the waterway, which has hindered global shipping and raised oil prices. ———BBC
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Israel was involved in the US-led strategy to secure the Strait of Hormuz led by Trump, specifically by providing “intelligence” and other “unspecified assistance” to the maritime security mission. -——JNS.org
Then-Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel was assisting the American-led effort with intelligence, though it was not expected to send naval vessels to join the patrols. ———JNS.org
The involvement was part of a broader Israeli interest in countering Iran’s influence in the region and bolstering relationships with Gulf countries, according to Katz.——— The Times of Israel
Israel expressed support for the US efforts to establish an international naval coalition to protect trade routes in the Gulf. ——— The Maritime Executive
Iran said that an Israeli presence in the Persian Gulf would be a “blatant threat” to regional stability. ——— Global Security.org