WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump warned Friday that the United States could escalate its military posture in the Strait of Hormuz if negotiations with Iran fail to produce a final agreement.Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Washington could revive and expand the paused “Project Freedom” operation.“We’ll go a different route if everything doesn’t get signed up, buttoned up,” Trump said.Asked whether the US would return to “Project Freedom,” Trump replied: “I don’t think so,” but added that it “might do it.”He said Pakistan, which is mediating between Washington and Tehran, had requested that the US not resume the operation.“We may go back to Project Freedom if things don’t happen,” Trump said. “It’ll be Project Freedom Plus, meaning Project Freedom plus other things.”He did not elaborate on what additional measures the expanded operation could involve.Regional tensions have intensified since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, triggering actions by Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, alongside disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.A ceasefire brokered by Pakistan took effect on April 8, but talks held in Islamabad failed to secure a permanent agreement. Trump later extended the truce without setting a deadline.Since April 13, the US has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the strategic waterway.Earlier this week, Trump announced a temporary pause to “Project Freedom,” saying the move was intended to restore commercial shipping navigation through the Strait while maintaining the American blockade.WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump warned Friday that the United States could escalate its military posture in the Strait of Hormuz if negotiations with Iran fail to produce a final agreement.Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Washington could revive and expand the paused “Project Freedom” operation.“We’ll go a different route if everything doesn’t get signed up, buttoned up,” Trump said.Asked whether the US would return to “Project Freedom,” Trump replied: “I don’t think so,” but added that it “might do it.”He said Pakistan, which is mediating between Washington and Tehran, had requested that the US not resume the operation.“We may go back to Project Freedom if things don’t happen,” Trump said. “It’ll be Project Freedom Plus, meaning Project Freedom plus other things.”He did not elaborate on what additional measures the expanded operation could involve.Regional tensions have intensified since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, triggering actions by Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, alongside disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.A ceasefire brokered by Pakistan took effect on April 8, but talks held in Islamabad failed to secure a permanent agreement. Trump later extended the truce without setting a deadline.Since April 13, the US has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the strategic waterway.Earlier this week, Trump announced a temporary pause to “Project Freedom,” saying the move was intended to restore commercial shipping navigation through the Strait while maintaining the American blockade.
Trump warns of expanded US military action in Strait of Hormuz if Iran talks fail
