TEHRAN: Iran’s military said on Monday that US forces would be attacked if they entered the Strait of Hormuz, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Washington would begin escorting ships through the blocked waterway.
“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 of the Iranian military’s central command in a statement carried by state broadcaster IRIB.
He added: “We have repeatedly stated that the security of the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and under all circumstances, any safe passage must be coordinated with these forces.”
Iran had earlier warned that it would consider any US attempt to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz a breach of the Middle East ceasefire, as Trump announced plans for a US-led ship escort operation in the region.
Negotiations between Tehran and Washington have remained deadlocked since a ceasefire came into effect on April 8, with control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz — following US-Israeli strikes on Iran — emerging as a key sticking point.
Trump said on Sunday that the new maritime mission, named “Project Freedom,” was a “humanitarian” effort aimed at assisting crews stranded aboard vessels affected by the blockade and reportedly facing shortages of essential supplies.
“We will use best efforts to get their ships and crews safely out of the Strait. In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, adding that the operation would begin on Monday.
In response, the head of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission stated that “any American interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire.”
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