U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on the 4th (local time) that it is commencing support for a 'Freedom of Navigation' operation aimed at restoring freedom of navigation for merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This mission, implemented under presidential order, aims to support merchant ships seeking to freely transit the Strait of Hormuz, a key international trade route. One-quarter of the world's seaborne oil trade and large quantities of fuel and fertilizer products are transported through this strait. U.S. Central Command Commander Brad Cooper emphasized, "Amidst maintaining maritime blockade, supporting this defensive mission is crucial for regional security and the global economy." Previously, the U.S. Department of State, in cooperation with the Department of Defense, announced a new initiative, the 'Maritime Freedom Initiative,' to strengthen cooperation and information sharing among international partners. This initiative will combine diplomatic efforts and military coordination to play a key role during the Freedom of Navigation operation. The U.S. military is deploying missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 personnel for this operation.
