00:08A massive naval operation, a promise to reopen global trade, and now a humiliating setback.
00:17President Donald Trump's much-hyped Project Freedom appears to be stalling,
00:22as more than 1,600 commercial vessels remain trapped inside and around the Strait of Hormuz,
00:29the world's most important energy choke point is still effectively frozen.
00:34According to reports, tens of thousands of sailors remain stranded, with supplies running low and fears growing by the day.
00:43Project Freedom was unveiled as a bold U.S.-led mission designed to restore freedom of navigation through the Persian Gulf.
00:51Guided missile destroyers, military aircraft, unmanned surveillance systems, thousands of troops.
00:57Washington promised safe passage for commercial shipping, but the results have been limited.
01:04U.S. Central Command confirmed that only two vessels, both U.S.-flagged, successfully passed through under military protection.
01:12Just two.
01:13After roughly 48 hours, the operation was paused.
01:17The reason? Diplomatic negotiations.
01:20Trump announced the suspension, saying talks with Iran, partly mediated by Pakistan, were showing progress.
01:27But despite the pause in military escort operations, the blockade remains, and shipping companies are refusing to take the risk.
01:35Insurance premiums have exploded.
01:38Routes are being diverted around Africa.
01:41The lays are piling up, and global supply chains are feeling the pressure.
01:45The crisis traces back to the broader U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, which erupted earlier this year.
01:52Since then, Iran has tightened restrictions in Hormuz, while the U.S. responded with naval countermeasures and maritime enforcement.
02:00The result? A dangerous standoff, in waters that handle roughly 20 percent of the world's oil trade.
02:07For crews trapped at sea, the situation is becoming increasingly desperate.
02:12Reports describe growing psychological stress, fear of projectiles, fear of explosions, and uncertainty over when or whether they can safely
02:22leave.
02:23Experts warn the economic consequences could spread far beyond the Gulf.
02:28Higher fuel costs, rising shipping prices, supply shortages, and renewed inflation risks across global markets.
02:36For Washington, the optics are difficult.
02:38Project Freedom was intended to demonstrate control and restore confidence.
02:43Instead, critics now argue it exposed the limits of military power in one of the most volatile regions.
02:50Still, the White House insists diplomacy remains the best path forward.
02:55Talks continue, but no final agreement has been reached.
02:58And until there's a breakthrough, the reality remains stark.
03:02More than 1,600 vessels, and a significant part of the global economy, remain stuck in limbo.
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03:27I'll see you next time for now.
03:29I'll see you next time.
03:30Well, look at the beginning.
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