Iran’s foreign ministry on Monday declared it is prepared to “respond to US threats” in the Strait of Hormuz, as the strategic waterway has become the latest flashpoint in the escalating standoff between Tehran and Washington triggered by Trump’s announcement of “Project Freedom”.
The “Project Freedom” underwhich the US forces will escort merchant vessels through the strategic corridor using missile destroyers and over 100 aircraft. The Project Freedom will be operationalised on Monday morning, the Middle East time, Trump said.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, in a statement carried by the semi-official Mehr news agency, described Iran as the strait’s “guardian and protector,” making clear that any ship seeking safe passage must coordinate with Iranian authorities.
“Ships and shipping companies well know that ensuring their security requires coordination with the competent authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said. He added that there was no reason for law-abiding nations to follow what he called “illegal actions” by the United States.
Asserting its control over the vital artery of global trade, Iran announced new map of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran redefined the control zone in the Strait of Hormuz, stretching from the south of Mount Mobarak in Iran to the south of Fujairah in the UAE, and from the west of Qeshm Island in Iran to Umm al-Quwain in the UAE.
While acknowleding that diplomatic talks and exchange of proposals are going on between Tehran and Washiongton, Baghaei confirmed that Iran had received a US counterproposal, delivered through Pakistan, aimed at ending the war.
He, meanwhile, declined to divulge the details saying the matter remains under review. He noted that Washington’s habit of making “excessive and unreasonable demands” made the proposal difficult to assess.
He also pushed back on media reports about nuclear negotiations, calling them “mostly speculation.”
Iran, he emphasised, is currently focused on one thing and that is a complete cessation of hostilities. The direction of talks may take beyond that, he said, will be determined later.
Meanwhile, the IRGC’s tone on the ground was considerably less diplomatic due to the threats from US military of Hormuz action. Spokesman Sardar Mohebbi warned that any vessel failing to comply with Tehran’s transit protocols would be “forcefully stopped.”
He said ships that coordinate with the IRGC Navy and follow designated routes would travel “safe and sound,” but that any movement outside those parameters would “face serious risks.” He urged all shipping companies and transport insurers to take the IRGC’s announcements seriously.
Earlier, the head of Iran’s central command had gone even further, threatening to attack “any foreign armed force”, specifically naming the US , that attempts to approach or enter the strait.
