President Donald Trump says the U.S. is stepping in to help move stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, launching a new effort called ‘Project Freedom’ to ease a growing global shipping crisis. The plan focuses on coordinating safe passage routes and sharing intelligence on threats like naval mines, rather than escorting vessels with warships. The strait handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, and traffic has dropped sharply, with around 1,600 vessels now stuck on both sides. While the move aims to restore flow, shipping groups remain cautious, warning that without a broader ceasefire, risks to vessels and crews remain high and disruptions to energy and fertilizer markets could continue.
