Tehran, May 4 (ANI) — Iran’s military has asserted that the security of the Strait of Hormuz rests with the Islamic Republic’s armed forces and said any safe passage through the waterway must be coordinated with them, state media reported. The statement came as a direct rebuke to an expanding U.S. naval presence in the Gulf.
The communique appears aimed at President Donald Trump’s announcement of a naval mission called “Project Freedom,” which he described as an effort to escort commercial vessels reportedly trapped in the Strait. Trump wrote on Truth Social that multiple countries — most not party to the regional fighting — asked the United States to help free their ships and that Washington would guide those vessels safely out of the restricted waters. He framed the operation as a humanitarian move, saying many crew members aboard the stranded ships were short of food and supplies.
Iran’s armed forces warned that any uncoordinated transits could endanger safety and ordered global shipping to coordinate with Tehran before entering the strait. The statement added that Iran would “maintain and manage the security of the Strait of Hormuz with all our might,” and warned that any foreign armed force, in particular U.S. forces, would be attacked if they attempted to approach or enter the waterway, Al Jazeera reported.
Trump said U.S. representatives were using their “best efforts” to get ships and crews out and that once cleared, vessels would be advised to avoid the area until it was deemed safe. He also cautioned that any interference with the operation “will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully,” while saying U.S. officials were in “very positive discussions” with Tehran that might produce a positive outcome. He rejected Iran’s most recent proposal as unacceptable.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran is reviewing the U.S. response. State media, citing the Tasnim news agency, outlined Iran’s proposal as seeking an end to hostilities across several fronts — including Lebanon — the withdrawal of U.S. forces, the release of frozen assets and the lifting of sanctions. Reports said Washington has pushed for a two-month ceasefire while Iran prefers a shorter 30-day window and emphasises a permanent end to conflict rather than a temporary truce.
Observers say the sharp rhetoric underscores a volatile standoff as both countries deploy significant military assets to the Gulf.
