Iran’s military has warned the United States Navy not to enter the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump said Washington would help move stranded ships through the strategic waterway.

According to the source report, Iran said US forces would be attacked if they approached or entered the strait. Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran’s unified command, also told commercial ships and oil tankers not to move unless they were coordinating with Iran.

The warning comes as tensions remain high around one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

Trump Announces ‘Project Freedom’

Trump said on Sunday that the US would launch a campaign called “Project Freedom” on Monday. He said the plan was aimed at guiding ships out of restricted waters after requests from countries whose vessels were stuck in the strait.

Trump said the vessels belonged to “neutral and innocent bystanders”. He did not name the countries that asked Washington for help.

He also said some ships were running low on food and other supplies needed for crews to remain safely on board. Trump warned that any interference in the operation would be handled forcefully.

US Military Backs Operation

US Central Command said it would support the mission with 15,000 military personnel, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, warships and drones.

CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper described the support as essential for regional security and the global economy, while noting that the US was maintaining its naval blockade.

Fears of a Wider Clash

It is reported that Iran has blocked nearly all Gulf shipping, except its own, for more than two months. The disruption has pushed global energy prices higher.

A US move to guide ships through the strait could test the fragile ceasefire that came into effect on 7 April. Reporting from Tehran, Resul Serdar Atas said Iran views any US intervention in Hormuz as a violation of that ceasefire.

Former US naval officer Harlan Ullman warned that the plan could trigger a dangerous escalation. He said Iran’s drones and small craft could make the operation “very, very difficult”.