Iran Threatens US Forces Over Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Escort Plan

Strait of Hormuz Crisis - Iran Threatens to Stop Gulf Oil Shipments

Iran Threatens US Forces Over Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Escort Plan

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated sharply after Iran’s military warned that US forces would be attacked if they entered the Strait of Hormuz, following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new maritime operation aimed at escorting commercial vessels through the strategic waterway.

The warning came after Trump unveiled what he called “Project Freedom”, a US-led maritime initiative designed to guide and protect ships passing through the Gulf amid growing regional instability and disruptions to global shipping routes. Trump said the operation would assist vessels from countries not involved in the conflict, describing it as a humanitarian effort to help stranded crews and restore safe navigation in one of the world’s most critical oil transit corridors. “For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these countries that we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways,” Trump said, adding that operations would begin immediately.

US media reports indicate that the operation does not involve US warships directly entering the strait but positions naval assets nearby to provide escort, surveillance, and deterrence support for commercial vessels. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) is reportedly deploying guided-missile destroyers, aircraft, unmanned systems, and around 15,000 personnel as part of the wider maritime security mission, while maintaining a significant presence in surrounding waters. As of late April, maritime intelligence sources estimated that more than 900 commercial vessels were trapped or operating in the Gulf region due to heightened tensions and security risks.

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In response, Iran’s military leadership warned that any foreign military presence in the Strait of Hormuz would be treated as hostile. Senior Iranian commander Major General Ali Abdollahi said that all shipping through the strait must be coordinated with Iranian forces, stressing that Iran would defend what it considers its strategic maritime territory. “We warn that any foreign armed force—especially the aggressive US military—if they intend to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz, will be targeted and attacked,” he said in a statement carried by Iranian state media.

Shortly after the warning, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that a US naval vessel in the area had been targeted and forced to retreat after a missile strike. However, the claim was not independently verified. The US military strongly denied the report. CENTCOM stated that no US Navy ships had been struck, adding that American forces were supporting maritime operations to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping.

Tensions were further heightened after reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) of an attack on a commercial tanker near the UAE involving unidentified projectiles. Iranian state media later claimed drones had been launched toward vessels linked to regional energy operations. These incidents have fueled fears of a broader escalation in the Gulf, where both sides continue to accuse each other of destabilising maritime security.

The confrontation comes after weeks of stalled negotiations between Tehran and Washington following a ceasefire tied to earlier US-Israeli hostilities involving Iran. Diplomatic progress has remained limited, with both sides maintaining firm positions over control and access to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran continues to insist that safe passage must be coordinated with its military, while the United States maintains that freedom of navigation for international shipping must be protected.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the country’s priority remains ending the conflict, but accused Washington of delaying progress by making excessive demands. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have reportedly presented a multi-point proposal aimed at de-escalation, though US authorities have not publicly confirmed receiving or accepting the plan.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, and any disruption significantly affects global energy markets. Oil prices have already risen by about 50% above pre-conflict levels, putting pressure on economies worldwide. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington’s strategy includes both military positioning and economic pressure, describing it as part of a broader effort to restrict Iran’s financial capacity.

As tensions persist, analysts warn that any direct military clash in the strait could have severe consequences for global oil supply, maritime trade, and regional stability, given the strategic importance of the waterway.