President Donald Trump took to the center stage on Monday to announce a major expansion of U.S. military operations in the Middle East, calling on South Korea to join a naval coalition he dubbed “Project Freedom.”
The President’s statement came as the U.S. military engaged Iranian forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a move he says is necessary to protect international commerce from Tehran’s recent aggression.
“Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship,” President Trump stated. “Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission!”
The President revealed that the U.S. has intensified its response to Iranian interference, confirming the destruction of several vessels.
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“We’ve shot down seven small Boats or, as they like to call them, ‘fast’ Boats. It’s all they have left,” Trump said. He sought to reassure the public and the markets, adding that, “Other than the South Korean Ship, there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait.”
Earlier in the day, U.S. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of Central Command, confirmed that six Iranian small boats were destroyed and several cruise missiles and drones were intercepted. Cooper stated he “strongly advised” Iranian forces to stay away from U.S. assets. A U.S. blockade currently prevents ships from entering or departing Iranian territory, a measure Cooper said was “exceeding expectations.”
The conflict has already impacted neighboring countries. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported intercepting three missiles over its waters, while a fourth landed in the sea. Additionally, a drone strike from Iran caused a significant fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone. Civil defense teams were deployed to contain the blaze, according to the Fujairah Media Office.
The administration plans to provide more details on the escalating situation and the progress of the blockade tomorrow. “Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, will have a News Conference tomorrow morning,” Trump announced.
While the U.S. and UAE have provided detailed accounts of the day’s combat and property damage, there has been no immediate comment or official response from Tehran.
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