Iran warned U.S. forces Monday with attacks if they entered the Strait of Hormuz, after President Donald Trump announced plans for the United States to begin escorting ships through the waterway.
Negotiations between the two countries have been deadlocked since a cease-fire in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran took effect on April 8, with Tehran's stranglehold on the strait a main point of contention.
Trump said Sunday that the new maritime operation, which he dubbed "Project Freedom," was a "humanitarian" gesture for crews aboard the many ships swept up in the blockade who may be running low on food and other supplies.
"We will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait. In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation," Trump posted on Truth Social, saying operations would begin Monday.
In response, the Iranian military's central command said any safe passage through Hormuz must be coordinated with its forces "under all circumstances."
