Sunday shows preview: Trump sends mixed signals on Iran as energy costs climb
Key takeaways
- President Trump announced the launch of Project Freedom on Sunday, a U.S.
- Central Command (Centcom) said that two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels had successfully navigated through the waterway.
- The development came as Iranian state media reported that a U.S. naval ship had been struck by two Iranian missiles.
Why this matters: political developments that affect policy direction and public trust.
Link copied by Sophie Brams - 05/09/26 6:21 PM ET Link copied NOW PLAYING A muddled picture about the state of the conflict with Iran emerged from the White House and President Trump this week, as a flurry of developments in the Gulf collided with mixed messages about the U.S. strategy for ending the 10-week conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump announced the launch of Project Freedom on Sunday, a U.S. military effort to assist vessels through the Strait of Hormuz aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the waterway — a strategic corridor through which one-fifth of the world s oil supply passes during peacetime.
By Monday, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) said that two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels had successfully navigated through the waterway. Several other ships reportedly also made it through with the aid of U.S. forces.