Trump's Strait of Hormuz rescue plan draws Iranian military threats

President Trump announced Sunday that the US would launch Project Freedom on Monday, a mission to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz that have been stranded due to ongoing military operations in the region. The initiative, framed as humanitarian assistance to neutral countries, will deploy 15,000 military personnel, over 100 aircraft, warships, and drones under the command of Admiral Brad Cooper.

Iran’s military establishment did not take kindly to the announcement. Ali Abdollahi, head of the Iranian military’s unified command, issued a stark warning: any foreign armed forces, particularly the US military, would face attack if they attempted to enter the strait. He also demanded that commercial vessels coordinate movement exclusively with Iranian authorities.

The geopolitical stakes run high. Iran has effectively blockaded nearly all non-Iranian shipping from the Gulf for more than two months, driving global energy prices upward. American gasoline prices have climbed to an average of $4.44 per gallon from pre-war levels below $3, fueling inflation concerns. Trump himself authorized a competing US naval blockade of Iranian ports beginning April 13.

Trump’s move represents a significant shift from his earlier suggestion that the existing stalemate of competing blockades was acceptable, claiming the US siege was “more effective than bombing.” Now, by attempting to break Iran’s stranglehold on shipping, he risks destabilizing the ceasefire that took effect April 8.

Iranian officials view any American intervention in the strait as a direct violation of that truce. Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei suggested the diplomatic window remains open, though narrowly. Iran submitted a 14-point peace proposal, and the US provided a counterproposal through Pakistan. Baghaei dismissed early reports about nuclear negotiations as speculation, insisting current discussions focus solely on ending the war.

Military analysts warn of escalation risks. Harlan Ullman, a former naval officer, cautioned that Iran’s extensive arsenal of drones and small craft could create serious difficulties for escorting operations. A direct hit on an American warship would likely leave the US with no choice but retaliation, potentially reigniting full-scale conflict.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported the strait’s security threat level remains critical, with a tanker struck by unknown projectiles near Fujairah in the UAE on Monday. All crew survived with no environmental damage reported.