The Iranian military issued a stark ultimatum on Monday, warning that any U.S. forces attempting to enter the Strait of Hormuz would be targeted for attack.
The threat follows an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that the American military will begin “Project Freedom,” a massive maritime operation to escort stranded commercial ships through the blockaded waterway.
Tensions have reached a fever pitch despite a ceasefire that took effect on April 8, following weeks of direct conflict between Iran and a U.S.-Israeli coalition.
The focal point of the current deadlock remains the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively shuttered since late February, strangling approximately 20% of the world’s petroleum and liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows.
TRUMP’S “HUMANITARIAN” MISSION
In a series of posts on Truth Social, President Trump characterized the mission as a necessary intervention for over 900 commercial vessels currently trapped in the Gulf, many of which have reportedly run low on 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 stated, noting that the operation was scheduled to commence Monday morning.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has mobilized a formidable force for the effort, including:
- 15,000 service members
- Guided-missile destroyers
- Over 100 aircraft (land and sea-based)
- Multi-domain unmanned platforms
TEHRAN’S RESPONSE
Iranian leadership viewed the move as a direct violation of the fragile ceasefire and a breach of their territorial sovereignty. Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, made it clear that Tehran would not tolerate an uncoordinated entry by foreign powers.
”We warn that any foreign armed force — especially the aggressive U.S. military — if they intend to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz, will be targeted and attacked,” Abdollahi said in a broadcast via state media.
ECONOMIC STAKES AND DIPLOMATIC DEADLOCK
The blockade has caused a near-total collapse of outbound trade in the region. According to maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine, crude oil flows have plummeted by 95%, while LNG shipments have dropped by a staggering 99%.
While Trump alluded to “very positive discussions” with Iranian representatives, Tehran claims the U.S. has yet to formally address a 14-point peace plan submitted last week.
Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to maintain a counter-blockade on Iranian ports, further complicating negotiations aimed at a permanent end to the 2026 conflict.