I RAN’S military warned on Monday that US forces would be attacked if they entered the Strait of Hormuz, after President Donald Trump said the United States would help guide ships through the waterway. Shortly after, Iran’s Fars news agency reported that a US warship in the strait was hit with missiles and forced to turn back, but the US military’s Central Command denied any ships had been hit. Negotiations between the two countries have been deadlocked since a ceasefire in the US-Israeli war against Iran took effect on 8 April, with Tehran’s stranglehold on the strait a main point of contention. Trump said on Sunday that the new US maritime operation, which he dubbed “Project Freedom”, was a humanitarian gesture for crews aboard the many ships stuck in the Gulf who may be running low on supplies. He said the US would help ships from countries not involved in the conflict. “For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways,” the president posted on Truth Social, saying operations would begin on Monday. Once out, “they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation,” Trump added. US media reported that the US Navy would not enter the strait but would provide guidance on traversing the narrow seaway. News site Axios said US ships would be “in the vicinity” to prevent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels. CENTCOM said it would use guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms and 15,000 service members in the effort. As of 29 April, more than 900 commercial vessels were located in the Gulf, according to maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine. In response to Trump, the Iranian military’s central command said any safe passage through Hormuz must be coordinated with its forces “under all circumstances”. “We warn that any foreign armed force — especially the aggressive US military — if they intend to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz, will be targeted and attacked,” said Major General Ali Abdollahi in a statement carried by state broadcaster IRIB. — AFP
Tue, 5-May-2026
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