President Trump has paused the newly announced Project Freedom maritime security operation after rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and renewed uncertainty surrounding US-Iran negotiations.
The operation, introduced on Sunday, was designed to protect commercial shipping passing through the critical Gulf waterway. The proposed deployment included more than 100 aircraft operating from land and sea, unmanned systems across multiple domains, and around 15,000 military personnel aimed at preventing attacks on merchant vessels in the region.
Just 48 hours after unveiling the initiative, Trump said the mission would be suspended temporarily while diplomatic efforts with Tehran remain active and discussions over a potential agreement continue.
The move comes after reports emerged that a containership was hit by a missile while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Several crew members are said to have sustained injuries.
The ship is understood to be the French-owned, Maltese-flagged 3,000 teu CGM San Antonio. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed it had received reports of the incident but stated that investigations were still underway to establish the origin of the projectile.
The incident adds to mounting instability in the Gulf, where escalating maritime tensions and competing blockades have intensified concerns over the security of the Hormuz corridor. In recent days, authorities have also recorded reports of another projectile strike, a shipboard fire, and an alleged attack involving small vessels.
According to industry reports, approximately 22,500 seafarers aboard 1,550 commercial ships representing 87 countries are currently stranded across the Gulf region.