"At The Bottom Of The Persian Gulf" - Project Freedom TRIGGERS Iran's DEADLIEST Threat Yet

Project Freedom, launched this morning, involves the US helping escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz to avoid mines. Iran, however, is unhappy, claiming this violates a ceasefire. The US President tweeted that countries, mostly uninvolved in Middle East disputes, requested assistance for their ships trapped in the Strait. The US has agreed to guide these neutral vessels safely through restricted waterways, starting Monday morning, Middle East time. This is described as a humanitarian gesture, as many ships are low on food and supplies. Tom explained this is a big deal because it allows movement through the Gulf and addresses the critical supply shortages for crews who have been stuck for a while. Iran's claim of a ceasefire violation comes because this US action thwarts their strategy. For the past three weeks, US mine sweepers have been clearing the original southern lanes, close to Oman and UAE, where Iran had placed mines. Iran's intention was to force ships towards Keshum Island, where they would charge a fee. The US military has mapped safe paths through these semi-opened southern lanes, guiding ships to avoid the mines. Iran views this as a direct challenge to their control. The US is essentially providing security, with frigates shadowing foreign tankers. Iran knows that any hostile action against these escorted ships would violate the ceasefire, leading to a US response. This initiative signifies that the US has successfully facilitated some movement in the Strait and that mine-sweeping efforts have been effective. While it has taken longer than desired, it represents positive progress. The frustration from Iran stems from the US foiling their sea mine plot, which aimed to control navigation and extract fees. This operation is crucial for the estimated 100 to 1,600 vessels and 20,000 crew members, many of whom are running out of basic necessities.