Trump opens Hormuz under fire with ‘Project Freedom’ as Iran warns of attacks

By Fox News · Fox News

The U.S. operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is unfolding under fire, with American forces intercepting Iranian missiles and drones and destroying attack boats targeting commercial shipping as they begin moving vessels through one of the world’s most critical waterways. U.S. Central Command said two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels have successfully transited the strait under the effort, dubbed " Project Freedom ," even as Iranian officials rejected the claim as "baseless" and warned that any foreign military presence would be attacked. President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian strike on U.S. vessels would be met with overwhelming force, saying Iran would be "blown off the face of the earth," while a senior Iranian commander said American forces would be targeted if they "approach and enter" the strait. The operation quickly has turned into a direct test of control over the strait, with U.S. forces moving ships under fire while Iran threatens to strike any foreign presence — a clash that could pull the two sides deeper into open conflict. TRUMP’S APOCALYPTIC IRAN WARNING RAISES STAKES FOR SWEEPING US STRIKE THREAT In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran had taken "shots at unrelated Nations" during the operation, including a South Korean cargo ship, and suggested allies could join the effort . "Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission!" he wrote. U.S. Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper told reporters that Iranian forces launched cruise missiles, drones and small boats at vessels under U.S. protection as the operation began, targeting primarily commercial shipping as well as some U.S. Navy ships. U.S. forces responded by intercepting the attacks and destroying six Iranian small boats, Cooper said, adding that American forces "defeated each and every one of those threats." He said the two U.S.-flagged ships transited the strait "uneventfully" and that additional vessels are expected to begin moving to take advantage of the pass…