Tehran / Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s military has warned it will attack United States forces if they enter the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions after former US President Donald Trump announced a plan to escort ships through the strategic waterway.
The warning comes as negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled following a ceasefire in the US-Israeli war against Iran that took effect on April 8. The status of the Strait of Hormuz has become a major sticking point in those talks.
On Sunday, Trump said the United States would begin a maritime operation—named “Project Freedom”—to guide stranded vessels safely through the strait.
He described the move as a humanitarian effort, aimed at helping ships and crews reportedly running low on food and supplies due to the ongoing blockade.
“We will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait,” Trump posted, adding that operations would begin on Monday.
However, Iran’s military quickly pushed back.
Major General Ali Abdollahi, speaking through state broadcaster IRIB, warned that any foreign military presence in the strait without coordination would be treated as a threat.
“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,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, particularly for oil, gas, and fertiliser exports.
Iran’s control of the strait has significantly disrupted global supply chains, while the United States has responded with its own counter-blockade targeting Iranian ports.
According to maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine, more than 900 commercial vessels were still in the Gulf as of April 29, highlighting the scale of the disruption.
The US Central Command says the planned escort mission would involve:
- Guided-missile destroyers
- Over 100 aircraft (land and sea-based)
- Unmanned multi-domain platforms
- About 15,000 military personnel
Despite the military build-up, Trump suggested that diplomatic talks were ongoing.
“Very positive discussions” are taking place, he said, although he made no direct reference to a reported 14-point proposal submitted by Iran last week to end the war.
According to US outlet Axios, Iran has set a one-month deadline for negotiations to reopen the strait, lift the US blockade, and formally end hostilities.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have framed the situation as a choice for Washington:
An “impossible operation” or “a bad deal” with Iran.
European leaders are increasingly concerned about the economic fallout from the ongoing disruption.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for the immediate reopening of the strait, stressing that Iran must renounce nuclear weapons as part of any agreement.
In a conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, he reiterated Germany’s support for a negotiated solution.
French President Emmanuel Macron also urged coordinated action.
“That is the only solution for reopening,” Macron said, calling for joint efforts by the US and Iran.
Oil prices have already surged by about 50 percent compared to pre-conflict levels, largely driven by supply disruptions in the strait.
While avoiding specifics on possible new military action, Trump warned that any interference with the escort operation would be met “forcefully”.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the naval blockade is just one part of a broader economic strategy.
“We are suffocating the regime… This is a real economic blockade,” he said in an interview with Fox News.
With military threats escalating and negotiations still unresolved, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile.
Global markets, shipping routes, and diplomatic relations are all closely tied to what happens next, as both sides weigh the risks of confrontation against the pressure to reach a deal.