Trump Warns of 'Project Freedom Plus' as Iran Slams US Strikes

Iran's Araghchi accuses US of ‘reckless military adventure’ amid fresh Hormuz clashes

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz spiked Friday as US forces struck Iranian military targets following attacks on American warships, prompting sharp accusations from Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi labeled the US actions a "reckless military adventure," claiming they targeted civilian areas near Chabahar port and oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House, warned that failed nuclear talks could trigger "Project Freedom Plus," an expanded escort mission for stranded commercial vessels in the strait.

Araghchi's Fiery Rebuke

Araghchi's comments came late Thursday, after US Central Command reported Iranian missiles, drones, and small boats targeting US destroyers near the strait. "The US chooses reckless military adventure whenever diplomacy is within reach," he said, according to Iranian state media. Tehran countered with strikes on US ships, while denying any breach of the fragile ceasefire holding for over a month.

Sources familiar with the matter said the exchanges began early Friday morning local time, with US airstrikes hitting coastal bases by dawn. No US casualties were reported, but Iran alleged hits on non-military sites, escalating rhetoric ahead of weekend talks.

Trump Hints at Escalation

Trump told reporters before heading to his Virginia golf course that without a deal, Washington would revive the earlier "Project Freedom" initiative—paused amid negotiations—but beefed up. "It'll be Project Freedom plus other things," he added, stressing protection for global shipping routes vital for 20% of world oil. The strait remains a flashpoint, with commercial traffic disrupted since clashes began two months ago.

Oil Markets React

Brent crude jumped as much as 3% during Friday trading amid the flare-up, settling at $101.29 a barrel, up 1.23%. West Texas Intermediate closed at $95.42, up 0.64%, paring gains on hopes for an imminent US-Iran agreement. Traders watched closely, with prices volatile since the ceasefire took hold in April.

An oil spill off Iran's Kharg Island export terminal—spotted Tuesday via satellite—added uncertainty, though the Pentagon declined comment amid reports of Thursday strikes.

Iran's Satirical Jabs

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei mocked Trump's prior nuclear threat of "one big glow" from Iran if talks collapse. "Absurd... they seek peace yet propose a big flash," he posted on X, sharing a clip from the 1964 satire Dr. Strangelove.[query context] The taunt, repeated across outlets, underscores Tehran's defiance.

Regional Ripples

UAE defenses intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles and three drones Friday, with three injuries reported but no official Iranian response.[query context] In southern Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed at least 31, including a rescue worker, per state media; Hezbollah claimed 26 counterattacks.

US-mediated Israel-Lebanon peace talks are set for May 14-15 in Washington, focusing on borders, Hezbollah disarmament, and aid—despite ongoing fire.

Path Ahead Uncertain

With oil prices elevated and shipping at risk, diplomats push for a deal before Monday. Trump reiterated no nuclear weapons for Iran, while Araghchi vowed resistance to pressure. Markets and mariners await clarity from the Hormuz strait.

‘Operation Sindoor was stopped voluntarily’: Rajnath rules out nuclear fear  

Defence Minister says India called off Operation Sindoor on its own terms, asserts readiness for long conflict if needed.  

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India voluntarily halted Operation Sindoor and was not forced into the decision by Pakistan’s nuclear threats. Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit 2.0 in the capital, Singh described the operation as a deliberate, measured response — not a sign of hesitation.  

No pressure from nuclear threats  

Singh rejected suggestions that Islamabad’s nuclear brinkmanship influenced the government’s calculus. “Pakistan had threatened a nuclear attack, but India was not afraid of it,” he said. The Minister added that the Indian Army’s surge capacity — its ability to rapidly escalate troop and firepower strength — is now stronger than ever before.  

Operation timeline and scale  

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year, hours after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam killed several tourists. According to military assessments shared by officials, the operation struck nine major terrorist launchpads across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Over 100 militants were reportedly killed in the cross-border strikes.  

“This was a turning point,” Singh said. “It showed the world that India is no longer a country that only makes statements, but one that takes direct action.”  

‘Long conflict’ readiness  

Without naming specific scenarios, the Defence Minister said India is fully prepared for a protracted engagement against Pakistan if circumstances demand. “We stopped on our terms, voluntarily,” he reiterated. “If needed, we are ready for a long conflict.”  

Sources familiar with the matter told reporters that the decision to end the operation was based on achieving tactical objectives — not external pressure.  

Terrorism’s root cause  

Singh drew a sharp contrast between the two neighbours. “India is known today for Information Technology. Pakistan is seen as the centre of ‘IT’ — International Terrorism,” he said.  

The Defence Minister stressed that terrorism cannot be eliminated without uprooting its ideology and political patronage. “The root lies in its ideology and political support. Without removing this, terrorism cannot be fully wiped out,” he added.  

Clear policy under PM  

Singh said the government’s post-Uri and post-Pulwama doctrine remains unchanged: no terrorist attack will go unanswered. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, he added, direct action will follow if needed — without seeking permission or signalling intent beforehand.  

What next  

While cross-border calm has largely held since the operation wound down early this summer, officials indicate surveillance along the Line of Control remains heightened. Intelligence inputs suggest Pakistan has not fully vacated forward launchpads, though no fresh mobilisation has been detected in recent weeks.  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply accused Iran of plotting what he described as “another Holocaust”, escalating already tense rhetoric in the Middle East. Speaking at a state memorial event, Netanyahu alleged that Tehran had devised a plan involving nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles aimed at Israel.

The statement comes amid ongoing regional tensions and is being seen as one of the strongest warnings issued by Israel in recent months.

Claims of Major Threat

Netanyahu said Iran’s leadership intended to “destroy Israel” through a coordinated military strategy. According to him, the alleged plan involved both nuclear capabilities and thousands of missiles, posing an existential threat to the country.

He asserted that Israel had already taken steps to counter the danger, adding that the operation was aimed at dismantling what he termed a “destructive mechanism”.

Action Already Taken

The Israeli Prime Minister claimed that, in coordination with allies including the United States, Israel had neutralised an “immediate threat”. While he did not provide operational details, his remarks suggest recent or ongoing military or intelligence actions.

Officials, however, have not publicly confirmed specifics of the alleged intervention. As per reports, such claims often remain classified due to security concerns.

Memorial Event Context

Netanyahu made these remarks during a ceremony at Mount Herzl, marking Israel’s Memorial Day. The occasion commemorates fallen soldiers and victims of conflict, often used by leaders to highlight national security concerns.

Linking the current threat to historical trauma, Netanyahu invoked the Holocaust, a reference that carries deep emotional and political significance in Israeli discourse.

Reference to Druze Community

During his speech, Netanyahu also highlighted the contribution of the Druze community, mentioning a Druze officer killed in southern Lebanon last month. He emphasised unity among different communities serving in the Israeli military.

The Druze, a small religious minority primarily based in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan, are known for their participation in Israel’s defence forces.

Background Tensions Rise

Tensions between Israel and Iran have remained high for years, particularly over Tehran’s nuclear programme and its support for armed groups in the region. Israel has consistently opposed Iran’s nuclear ambitions, calling them a direct threat to its existence.

Recent months have seen increased rhetoric, covert operations, and sporadic escalations, keeping the region on edge. This development is part of a broader pattern frequently covered under Latest News Today and global security updates.

What Lies Ahead

The latest remarks are likely to intensify geopolitical concerns and may trigger diplomatic responses from Iran and other stakeholders. Analysts believe such statements could impact ongoing international discussions around nuclear policy and regional stability.