May 4 (UPI) -- The Iranian military threatened Monday to attack U.S. forces if they attempt to implement U.S. President Donald Trump's "Project Freedom" to bring ships trapped in the Persian Gulf out through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement carried by state-run broadcaster IRIB, the commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the Iranian military's central command, warned the Americans not to approach the strait and that no vessels would be permitted to transit safely without Iran's permission.
The statement also appeared to threaten Iran's neighbors in the Gulf and other allies of the United States.
"Do not approach the Strait of Hormuz. Any foreign armed force, especially the aggressive American army, will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz. Supporters of the evil America should be careful and not do anything that will lead to irreparable regret, because America's aggressive action to disrupt the current situation will have no result other than complicating the situation and jeopardizing the security of vessels in this area," said central command chief, Maj. Gen. Ali Abdullahi.
"In any circumstances, any safe passage through this strait will be carried out in coordination with the Armed Forces," added Abdullahi.
