On April 23, 2026, the President instructed the US Navy to eliminate any Iranian vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying the military efforts in the area. The IRGC later announced that 'secure stable transit' with updated protocols was now operational, but the US dismissed this statement as inadequate. Launched on May 4, Operation Project Freedom temporarily paused certain activities on May 6. Reports from US Central Command indicate that over 1,550 ships are still trapped in the Gulf, affecting more than 22,500 sailors. The Defense Secretary affirmed that the US's goal is to safely navigate the stranded fleet out — however, the conditions remain extremely perilous.
