Washington, May 6: The United States has initiated a significant naval operation in the Hormuz Strait. The goal is to safely navigate commercial vessels trapped in the area and restore traffic in one of the world’s most crucial oil trade routes. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of holding the global economy “hostage.”
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Rubio stated that President Donald Trump approved “Project Freedom” to ensure the safe evacuation of stranded civilian ships amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf. Rubio revealed that approximately 23,000 civilians from 87 countries are currently stuck on commercial vessels due to Iran’s blockade in the Hormuz Strait, a narrow waterway through which nearly a quarter of the world’s oil trade passes.
Rubio emphasized, “These innocent sailors and crew members are trapped at sea. You cannot leave these ships adrift for so long. Food and drinking water run out, and essential supplies dwindle.”
He accused Iran of engaging in “maritime piracy” by laying mines in international waters and targeting commercial ships. Rubio asserted that no nation has the right to control international waterways, stating, “No country can claim it will lay mines in the sea and blow up ships that do not comply.”
Rubio reiterated that the U.S. operation is not an attack but a security measure. He assured that the U.S. military would not fire first and would only respond in self-defense.
According to the Secretary of State, the U.S. Navy and Air Force are creating a “security perimeter” for commercial vessels. He claimed that two U.S.-flagged commercial ships have safely crossed the Strait in the first phase of the operation.
Rubio noted that the operation involves guided missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, unmanned systems, and approximately 15,000 U.S. troops. He also mentioned that the U.S. military has already destroyed seven Iranian fast boats that approached too closely despite warnings.
He stated that the U.S. will continue its efforts to secure this maritime route and normalize ship movements. Rubio stressed that the world cannot accept a situation where a country like Iran attempts to dominate international maritime routes.
Rubio indicated that the U.S. is also raising this issue at the United Nations, seeking condemnation of Iran, calls to cease attacks on vessels, pressure to remove mines from the sea, and allow humanitarian aid to pass. He mentioned that several countries have privately requested assistance from the U.S., but currently, only the U.S. has the capacity to deploy large-scale military force quickly.
Rubio emphasized that the U.S. is taking these steps to assist the entire world. The Trump administration has linked this maritime crisis to Iran’s nuclear program and its growing influence in the Middle East. Rubio warned that if Iran acquires nuclear weapons, the situation could become even more dangerous, allowing Iran to exert its will over the Hormuz Strait.
It is important to note that the Strait is considered one of the most sensitive and vital maritime routes globally. It connects the Persian Gulf to international shipping lanes, with major Asian countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea heavily relying on this route for energy supplies.
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