Former US Official Says 'Project Freedom' Risks Escalation but Is Necessary
middleeasteye
Former US Assistant Secretary of State Mark Kimmitt says 'Project Freedom' carries a risk of escalating tensions with Iran but is necessary. He described Iran's response as unprecedented and provocative. Kimmitt stressed the US effort is genuine and aims to avoid international criticism.
Former US Assistant Secretary of State Mark Kimmitt said 'Project Freedom', Washington's plan to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, carries a risk of escalating conflict but remains a necessary measure.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Kimmitt stated: 'If we did not implement Project Freedom, we would now be in a state of stagnation, without any escalation of tensions. But in this case, the US accepted the risk to try to carry out these humanitarian escorts.'
He also noted that Iran's response has been significant: 'They have announced a new security architecture in the Gulf, including a claim to maritime sovereignty extending all the way to Fujairah and Ras al-Khaimah. This is unprecedented. It seems the Iranians are provoking us to restart the war.'
The former official emphasized that the US effort is genuine: 'I truly think this is a sincere attempt by the US to get ships through, if for no other reason than to avoid international criticism.'
He added: 'The US is trying to persuade allies, who consider this war illegal, that there are real humanitarian issues here and that there are legitimate reasons for them to participate.'
