Tehran: Tehran has warned that any attempt by the United States to intervene in the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a violation of the ongoing ceasefire, as Donald Trump announced a new maritime initiative to assist ships stranded in the vital corridor.
The warning comes as tensions persist weeks after a truce was reached, with negotiations between Washington and Tehran remaining deadlocked and no agreement yet in sight.
Trump said the United States would begin implementing “Project Freedom”, a plan aimed at guiding commercial vessels through the waterway, which has been largely disrupted by Iran’s blockade following months of conflict.
He described the effort as humanitarian, saying it was intended to help crews facing shortages of food and essential supplies after hundreds of vessels became stranded in the Gulf.
“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 said in a Truth Social post, noting operations would begin on Monday.
In response, the head of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission said: “Any American interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire.”
The standoff follows Iran’s tightening control over the waterway, a key route for global energy supplies, which has significantly disrupted oil shipments and contributed to rising prices worldwide.
At the same time, the United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, intensifying economic pressure as part of a broader strategy to weaken Tehran.
The US military’s regional command, United States Central Command, said the operation would involve warships, aircraft and thousands of personnel to support maritime security efforts.
Deadlock in diplomacy
Despite the rising tensions, both sides have signalled openness to continued negotiations.
Trump said discussions with Iran were “very positive”, while officials confirmed that Washington had responded to Tehran’s proposed framework aimed at ending the war.
Iran’s plan reportedly calls for an end to hostilities, the lifting of sanctions and blockades, and the reopening of the strait within a defined timeframe.
However, significant differences remain, particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme and the sequencing of concessions.
European governments have urged a diplomatic resolution, warning that prolonged disruption in the strait could have severe consequences for global energy markets and economic stability.
Rising risk of escalation
Rhetoric on both sides has hardened in recent days, raising concerns over a possible return to conflict.
Trump warned that any interference with US operations would be met with force, while Iranian officials have issued threats against US naval assets if tensions escalate further.
Recent incidents, including attacks on vessels in the region, have underscored the fragility of the situation and the risk of miscalculation.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical artery for global trade, and its continued disruption is likely to have far-reaching geopolitical and economic implications.
