The US military initiated "Project Freedom" on Tuesday to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blockaded with threats of mines, drones, missiles, and fast-attack craft since the US-Israeli war on Iran commenced on February 28. CENTCOM confirmed the operation has "just begun" and aims to support global economies. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described it as defensive, focused, and temporary, with US forces avoiding Iranian waters, and noted two US commercial vessels have traversed with warships. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported 10 civilian sailor deaths and the destruction of seven Iranian fast boats. Iran denies any US crossings, but Maersk verified a US-flagged ship exited under escort. Over 1,500 vessels with 22,500 crew remain trapped, and analysts warn of heightened escalation risks.