Iran Welcomes US 'Retreat' on 'Freedom Project,' Tightens Strait of Hormuz Control

The recent temporary halt of the US 'Freedom Project' has been met with considerable satisfaction and a sense of strategic victory by Iranian media outlets. Publications like Tasnim News Agency have not only declared President Trump's move a 'retreat' but have also sarcastically pointed to rising US gasoline prices as the sole 'achievement' of his initiative. This narrative frames the US actions as a sign of desperation, attempting to mask failures with unsubstantiated claims.

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Trump has retreated.

Iranian state media, including IRNA and Press TV, are amplifying this perspective, emphasizing Iran's strong hand in the current geopolitical standoff. Experts quoted in these reports suggest that the US has exhausted its options, while Iran possesses multiple strategic cards, such as control over the Strait of Hormuz and the potential to blockade the Bab el-Mandeb strait. This portrayal positions Iran as a formidable regional power, forcing the US into a difficult choice between acknowledging Iran's sovereignty in the Strait of Hormuz or engaging in further conflict.

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The outcome of Trump's so-called Freedom Project is the rise in gasoline prices in the United States.

Furthermore, Iran has proactively tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz by introducing a new regulatory framework. Ships transiting the waterway must now comply with directives from the 'Persian Gulf Maritime Management Authority,' including obtaining prior transit permits. This move is presented not just as a regulatory measure but as a demonstration of Iran's asserted dominance, underscoring the strategic importance of the strait and Iran's ability to dictate terms to international maritime traffic. The coverage reflects a nationalistic pride and a firm stance against perceived American pressure.

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The US-led Freedom Project failed in less than 48 hours. Trump's last card for the energy market has been depleted.