The US "Hormuz Operation" Could Be Launched Within Hours, Shipping Industry Questions Feasibility of Escort Plan

BlockBeats News, May 4th. According to sources, the U.S. military escort operation for the Strait of Hormuz is expected to commence within hours. U.S. President Trump previously announced the launch of "Project Freedom," aiming to provide safe passage for stranded vessels to restore order to Gulf navigation.

However, due to a lack of specific operational details, the shipping industry is generally adopting a cautious stance. Several shipowners and ship management officials have pointed out the absence of clear mine sweeping, anti-aircraft missile defense support, and response mechanisms in the event of an attack. Although the Joint Warship Information Center has confirmed the establishment of an "Enhanced Security Zone," the specific escort procedures have not been disclosed.

Meanwhile, regional security risks continue to escalate. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that an oil tanker was attacked by unidentified ammunition near Fujairah, and previous incidents involved bulk carriers being harassed by small boats in Iranian waters. Data shows that there have been 37 maritime security incidents in the region since the latest round of conflict began, with 24 of them classified as direct attacks.

Iran has warned that any U.S. military intervention in the Strait of Hormuz will be seen as a violation of the ceasefire agreement. Analysts believe that the "Project Freedom" plan largely embodies geopolitical maneuvering intentions. In the absence of clear rules and a multilateral coordination mechanism, this may further increase the risk of miscalculation and raise the cost of maritime insurance. As a result, most shipping companies are currently choosing to adopt a wait-and-see approach.