Iran has threatened to attack US ships if they attempt to approach the Strait of Hormuz
The Iranian military has stated that it will attack US forces should they approach the Strait of Hormuz. This was announced by the Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces, Ali Abdullah Aliabadi, in a statement broadcast by the state-run IRIB television, according to the Times of Israel.
“We warn that any foreign armed force, particularly the aggressive US military, will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
According to him, security in the strait is under the control of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s armed forces, and any safe navigation must be coordinated with them.
Meanwhile, the US-led Combined Maritime Intelligence Centre announced the establishment of a heightened security zone south of the main shipping routes and urged mariners to coordinate with the Omani authorities due to the expected increase in traffic.
It is also noted that navigation near the usual routes is extremely dangerous due to the presence of mines that have not yet been fully detected and cleared.
US President Donald Trump previously stated that the United States would respond with force to any attempts to obstruct the operation aimed at assisting vessels and their crews stranded in the strait.
US Central Command has announced that Operation Project Freedom will involve 15,000 military personnel, over 100 aircraft, as well as warships and drones.
The statement noted that the mission involves supporting commercial vessels seeking to pass freely through the key international trade corridor and will combine diplomatic efforts with military coordination.
According to US officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, US Navy ships will not currently be escorting merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The operation is described as the coordination of international shipping.
Axios also reports, citing sources, that the US Navy will provide vessels with information on safe passage and avoiding Iranian sea mines. One of the sources noted that US ships will remain nearby in case it is necessary to prevent attacks.
Following the announcement of Project Freedom, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported an incident involving a tanker that was struck by unidentified objects in the strait. According to available information, the crew were unharmed. The incident occurred 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
Iran imposed a blockade of the strait in response to US and Israeli air strikes on 28 February. In retaliation, Tehran also carried out missile and drone strikes in the region.
On 13 April, the United States imposed its own blockade on vessels linked to Iran.
Negotiations to end the war are being complicated, in particular by the issue of control over the strait following the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz accounts for around a fifth of global oil supplies. Its closure has caused energy prices to rise. According to the International Maritime Organisation, hundreds of ships and up to 20,000 seafarers remain stranded, whilst food and essential supplies on board are running low.
The US is attempting to form an international coalition to ensure the safety of shipping. Dozens of countries, including the UK and France, are working to establish a coalition to reopen the strait once peace is achieved.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated in Yerevan that France would not take part in ‘unclear’ military operations to reopen the strait.
“We want, first and foremost, a coordinated reopening by the United States and Iran. This is the only way to restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
