Iran: Iran's military leadership has issued a stern warning of potential attacks in response to the United States' announcement of a planned intervention to assist vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. This development was reported by the Tasnim news agency, highlighting escalating tensions in the strategically critical waterway.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, who is the commander of Iran's central military leadership, stated that any foreign military force, particularly the US army, would be attacked if it attempts to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that freighters wishing to pass through the strait must coordinate with Iranian forces. Aliabadi, who serves as the de facto chief of the general staff in Iran, also leads the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, which consolidates the operational command of Iran's armed forces in times of war.
US President Donald Trump announced 'Project Freedom' on his Truth Social platform, aiming to facilitate the exit of ships trapped in the waterway, crucial for global oil and gas trade. However, Trump did not provide specific details on how this operation would be carried out. The announcement came amid reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) that a ship had been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker was reportedly struck by 'unknown projectiles,' although the crew remained safe, and no environmental damage was reported.
The security commission head in Iran's parliament, Ebrahim Azizi, criticized US interference in the strait, asserting that US President Donald Trump's social media posts would not dictate the management of the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf. The waterway has been a flashpoint since the start of the Iran war, especially following the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Although a ceasefire is in place, negotiations for a lasting settlement and the reopening of the strait have yet to achieve a resolution.