Iran warns US against entering Strait of Hormuz after Trump's announcement
Adam Hancock, Al Jazeera Staff
Iran's military has warned that US forces will be attacked if they enter the Strait of Hormuz, after President Trump announced a mission to guide stranded vessels out of the strategic waterway. General Ali Abdollahi issued the warning on Monday, demanding that commercial vessels coordinate with Iran. The announcement follows Trump's launch of "Project Freedom" on Sunday, with CENTCOM pledging 15,000 troops and extensive air and naval support.
Iran's military has warned the US Navy not to enter the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump announced the launch of a mission called "Project Freedom" to guide stranded vessels out of the strategic waterway.
In a statement on Monday, General Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran's Joint Command of Forces, said US forces would be attacked if they entered the strait, and he ordered commercial vessels and oil tankers not to move unless coordinating with Iran.
"We warn that any foreign armed forces, especially the belligerent US military, will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz," the statement said.
On Sunday, Trump announced the start of "Project Freedom" at the request of countries with vessels stranded at the strait, whom he called "neutral and innocent bystanders." On social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote: "For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the US, we have told these countries that the US will guide their vessels safely out of these restricted waterways." He also said many vessels were running low on food and supplies and warned that any interference with the mission would be "handled forcefully."
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it would support the mission with 15,000 troops, over 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, as well as warships and drones. Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, stated: "Support for this defensive mission is necessary for regional security and the global economy, while we maintain a naval blockade."
Al Jazeera correspondent Resul Serdar Atas reported from Tehran that any US intervention in the Strait of Hormuz would be considered by Iran a violation of the ceasefire agreement in effect since April 7. "The Iranians are very clear. They say they will retaliate and engage in military combat. In that case, that would be the end of the ceasefire," Atas said, adding that Iran's military and political circles believe the war has changed many things and that Iran will maintain control of the strait.
Iran has blocked nearly all shipping from the Persian Gulf, except for its own vessels, for more than two months, causing global energy prices to spike. In the US, the average gasoline price rose to $4.44 per gallon, from under $3 before the war, fueling inflation.
Previously, Trump had expressed satisfaction with the blockade standoff at the strait, stating that "a blockade is more effective than bombing." However, this new plan could break the relative calm of recent weeks. Former US Navy officer Harlan Ullman warned of dangerous escalation: "Iran has many drones and small boats that could make the mission very difficult. I don't want to see a confrontation where a US warship is hit, because then the Americans would have no choice but to retaliate."
