Iran has issued a stern warning, stating that any foreign armed forces, particularly the US military, will be targeted and attacked if they attempt to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz. General Ali Abdollahi, spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command, made the statement today.

Abdollahi affirmed that the Strait of Hormuz "is under the control of Iran's armed forces". He demanded that commercial vessels not transit the area without coordinating with the Iranian military. "We maintain control over the security of the Strait of Hormuz with our full power. Under all circumstances, transit must occur under the coordination of Iran's armed forces to prevent risks to their safety", he added.

General Ali Abdollahi in a photo posted in March. *Photo: Wana*

The Iranian general warned that "any aggressive US actions aimed at disrupting the situation" would only complicate matters, threatening the security of vessels in the region.

This declaration followed President Donald Trump's announcement of the launch of "Operation Freedom", a campaign to guide merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The US leader stated these were vessels from countries not involved in current developments in the Middle East, emphasizing Washington would "deal resolutely" with any attempts to interfere with the operation.

Central Command (CENTCOM), the agency responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, described "Operation Freedom" as a "support operation" to allow commercial vessels free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The operation is expected to mobilize destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and approximately 15,000 troops, representing a coordination between "diplomatic and military activities".

An unnamed US official told CNN that "Operation Freedom" was not a traditional escort mission. Meanwhile, Axios quoted two US officials as revealing that warships and aircraft would only be present "in the vicinity" of the Strait of Hormuz, ready to intervene if commercial vessels were attacked by the Iranian military.

Strategic location of the Strait of Hormuz. *Graphic: Guardian*

The Combined Maritime Information Center, part of the multinational naval partnership in the Middle East, assessed the maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains "severe" due to ongoing military activities in the region.

They recommended that vessels coordinate with Omani authorities and consider following traffic lanes within Oman's territorial waters, where the US has established a security zone.

Since the conflict began, Iran has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz to most vessels, except for its own ships and those of some "friendly" nations. The US, in turn, imposed a reciprocal blockade on all Iranian seaports from 13/4. According to the International Maritime Organization, hundreds of ships and approximately 20,000 sailors have been unable to transit the strait throughout the conflict.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters, CNN, Guardian)