WASHINGTON: Iran issued a warning on Monday, stating that any attempt by the US to interfere in the “Strait of Hormuz” would be regarded as a “violation of the Mideast ceasefire”. This statement came as President Donald Trump announced that the United States would commence escorting vessels through the obstructed waterway.
Since the ceasefire took effect on April 8, negotiations between the two nations have reached an impasse. Iran’s control over the strategic strait, following US-Israeli strikes on Tehran, has become a significant point of dispute.
On Sunday, Trump referred to the new maritime initiative, which he named “Project Freedom,” as a “humanitarian” effort aimed at assisting the crews of numerous ships caught in the blockade, many of which may be facing shortages of food and other essential supplies.
“We will exert our utmost efforts to ensure the safe passage of their Ships and Crews out of the Strait. In all instances, they have indicated that they will not return until the area is deemed safe for navigation,” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social, indicating that operations would commence on Monday.
In reaction, the chairman of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission remarked: “Any American interference in the new maritime framework of the Strait of Hormuz will be viewed as a breach of the ceasefire.”
By obstructing the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has significantly restricted the flow of oil, gas, and fertilizer to the global economy, while the United States has enacted a counter-blockade on Iranian ports.
In his post, Trump expressed that he was “fully aware that my Representatives are engaged in very constructive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these talks could result in something very beneficial for all parties involved.”
He did not directly address what Tehran has characterized as a 14-point plan aimed at “ending the war.”
US Central Command announced that it would deploy guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned systems, and 15,000 service members in the effort concerning Hormuz.
As of April 29, maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine reported that more than 900 commercial vessels were present in the Gulf.
