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‘You will be attacked’: Iran warns Trump over plan to escort ships through Hormuz

May 5, 2026

The Islamic Republic has rejected US President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy naval forces and escort stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz – announced under the name “Project Freedom.”

“We have repeatedly stated that the security of the Strait of Hormuz is in the hands of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and that any safe passage, under any circumstances, takes place in coordination with the armed forces,” the Iranian army’s Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters said in a statement on 4 May.

“We warn that any foreign armed force, especially the invading US army, will be attacked if they attempt to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement added.

Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, said that “Any American interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire.”

“The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf would not be managed by Trump’s delusional posts!” Azizi went on to say.

“No change has been made to the management of the Strait of Hormuz. Any maritime movement by civilian and commercial vessels that complies with transit protocols issued by the IRGC Navy and proceeds along designated routes in coordination will be safe and secure. Other maritime movements that are not in line with the IRGC Navy’s declared principles will face serious risks. Violating vessels will be stopped by force,” stated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Earlier on Monday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that around 15,000 troops will be deployed as part of ‘Project Freedom’ in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, and multi-domain unmanned platforms.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said around 15,000 troops will be deployed as part of Trump’s so-called 'Project Freedom' in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, and multi-domain unmanned platforms, under what… pic.twitter.com/dbU53otpr8

— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) May 4, 2026

The plan was announced by Trump late on Sunday.

Trump announces 'Project Freedom' to move stranded ships through Hormuz, plan’s execution remains unclear
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Trump claimed on Sunday that the US will move forward with a plan to “guide” commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, calling the initiative “Project Freedom,” to… pic.twitter.com/aRk8zj7BIr

— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) May 4, 2026

The president said the US will move forward with “guiding” commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz to help vessels currently stranded in the waterway, while warning that any Iranian “interference” would be met with force.

He also said the move came at the request of countries whose vessels are stuck in the strait. It remains unclear how the operation will be implemented in practice or how these assets will directly ensure safe passage for merchant ships.

Trump referred to the plan as a “humanitarian gesture.”

The US has maintained an illegal blockade on Iranian ports throughout the ceasefire, while also imposing new sanctions. Tehran has repeatedly warned that it may take further military action, following its recent retaliation to the seizure of its vessels by Washington.

According to a recent report by Israel’s Channel 12, Tel Aviv is “bracing” itself for the collapse of negotiations between Washington and Tehran and the resumption of all-out war against the Islamic Republic.

Axios reported on 29 April that Trump was to be briefed on a series of options for renewed attacks against Iran.

The US outlet said in a separate report days later that the Islamic Republic has set a one-month deadline for an end to the blockade and a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in line with Iranian conditions.

Tehran is seeking management of the Strait without US involvement, but is eventually open to discussing a joint process involving regional states.

It also wants a full ceasefire in Lebanon and reparations. Tehran has denied that the new proposal it handed over to mediators includes a period of no enrichment, as claimed by an Al Jazeera report.

Tehran says the proposal focuses solely on ending the war. Trump has rejected the proposal.

“It’s not acceptable to me. I’ve studied it, I’ve studied everything – it’s not acceptable,” the US president told Israeli media on Sunday evening.