On May 4, 2026, the U.S. announced Project Freedom, an initiative aimed at ending the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the project was suspended the following day, even as merchant ships and U.S. Navy vessels faced attacks. President Donald Trump cited progress in negotiations with Iran as the reason for the suspension, but experts noted that Iran had demonstrated its capability to escalate tensions if the U.S. attempted to restrict its influence in the region.

The U.S. had outlined a range of advanced military systems, including underwater drones and warships, to support safe navigation through the strait. Despite claims of successful transits by U.S.-flagged ships, major shipping companies like Hapag-Lloyd expressed concerns, stating that the Strait of Hormuz remained closed for their operations until further notice. This skepticism was fueled by the absence of detailed operational plans from the U.S.

Historically, the U.S. successfully managed shipping safety during the Tanker Wars in the 1980s through coordinated military escorts. However, experts argue that the introduction of drones has altered the risk landscape, making it easier for Iran to threaten merchant vessels. The situation remains precarious, as attacks on merchant ships and U.S. Navy destroyers highlight the ongoing dangers in the region, leaving the shipping industry wary of navigating without clear coordination with Iran.