U.S. Shifts To Quiet Version Of Project Freedom To Sneak Ships Past Iran Blockade

The U.S. Administration has deployed a new, quieter and non-confrontational tactic to slip commercial vessels past the Iranian navy in the Strait of Hormuz. This comes a month after U.S President Donald Trump dropped the plan to escort ships through the strategic waterway, in an operation he dubbed Project Freedom.

Rather than openly challenging Iran and endangering the already fragile ceasefire, the U.S. is coordinating with shipping companies and operators to try a different approach.

According to people aware of such transits and CENTCOM statements, Washington is helping ships to cross Hormuz by suggesting alternative routes and providing protection.

Such ships are crossing quietly by turning off their transponders to avoid being detected by the IRGC and are sailing near the coast of Oman on the Strait’s south, where there is less danger of Iranian naval mines.

On June 2, 2026, CENTCOM issued a statement that its forces shot down Iranian drones targeted at civilian mariners who were rightfully crossing regional waters.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on June 3 that the US was shooting down Iranian drones aimed at commercial vessels and that Iran was responding.

The new tactic has not been given a name, and the government has offered no explanation, but there have been signs.

CENTCOM, which oversees American military assets in and around the Persian Gulf, has shifted its tone lately.

In a social media post in May, CENTCOM denied claims that the U.S. Navy was escorting or helping commercial ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz, but as contrary evidence emerged in the coming days, the command revised its statement.

“Though US forces are not escorting, we continue to communicate and coordinate with commercial ships seeking to freely and safely transit the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international corridor for regional and global economies,” CENTCOM public affairs director Tim Hawkins said in a statement on June 1, 2026.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on the weekend that traffic can resume in Hormuz thanks to “what we’re able to do, and are doing – whether it’s known or unknown – in the strait”.

Two shippers, on the condition of anonymity, revealed that they had contacted the U.S. military to advise them on how to navigate the Strait of Hormuz safely.