A spokesperson for US Central Command (Centcom) has told Al Jazeera that the military’s “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz is a “temporary” operation that is creating a “safe corridor” and “security umbrella” over the waterway.

The spokesperson says that ship owners and insurance companies have responded positively to the operation, which has “just begun”.

It is aimed at ensuring commercial ships can pass the strait safely, to benefit global and regional economies, adds the spokesperson.