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

The U.S. has adopted a covert strategy to help commercial vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing Iranian naval threats, including drone attacks on civilian mariners, by suggesting alternative routes near the Omani coast and having ships disable their AIS transponders. This situation is causing significant disruptions to commercial shipping through one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, with rerouting, stealth navigation, and active military drone intercepts all indicating a high-risk operational environment.