Iran's military has issued a stark warning to the United States Navy to avoid the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump announced a campaign to 'free up' vessels allegedly stranded in the strategic waterway. The head of Iran's unified command, Ali Abdollahi, stated on Monday that any foreign armed forces, particularly the 'aggressive US army', would be attacked if they attempted to enter the strait.
The Iranian statement also advised commercial ships and oil tankers to refrain from moving unless coordinating with Tehran. 'We warn that any foreign armed forces, especially the aggressive US army, will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz,' the statement read.
On Sunday, Trump claimed to have launched 'Project Freedom' at the request of unspecified countries whose vessels are supposedly stuck in the strait, referring to them as 'neutral and innocent bystanders'. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US would guide these ships safely out of the 'restricted waterways' and warned that any interference would 'unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully'.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it would support the effort with 15,000 military personnel, over 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, warships, and drones. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper described it as a 'defensive mission essential to regional security and the global economy', while also maintaining the naval blockade.
Al Jazeera's correspondent in Tehran, Resul Serdar Atas, reported that any US intervention in the Strait of Hormuz would be seen by Iran as a violation of the ceasefire that came into effect on April 7. 'The Iranians are quite clear. They are saying they’re going to respond and engage militarily. And in such a case, that will be the end of the ceasefire,' Atas said.
Iran has been blocking nearly all shipping from the Gulf except its own for over two months, driving global energy prices higher. In the US, petrol prices have risen to an average of $4.44 per gallon. Former US naval officer Harlan Ullman warned that Trump's plan could lead to dangerous escalation, noting that Iran's large arsenal of drones and small craft could make the situation very difficult and potentially lead to a confrontation where an American warship is hit, forcing retaliation.
Source: www.aljazeera.com