Trump Prepares Project Freedom, Iran: Stay Away from Strait of Hormuz

Reporter

May 5, 2026 | 05:41 am

A cargo ship sails in the Strait of Malacca, Malaysia, November 10, 2023. The Strait of Malacca sits at the epicenter of geopolitical tensions through the "Malacca Dilemma," triggered by China's heavy dependence on this waterway for energy. As one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, the strait's importance to global energy stability is on par with the Strait of Hormuz. Shutterstock

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iran is warning the United States (US) not to enter the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump stated that Washington would assist ships stranded in the Gulf region.

The Iranian military has emphasized that US forces will be attacked if they enter the strait. Commercial ships and oil tankers are also instructed not to move without coordination with Iran.

"We warn that any foreign armed forces, especially the aggressive US army, will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz," said Chief of Iran's Joint Military Command, Ali Abdollahi, in a statement on May 4, 2026, as reported by Al Jazeera.

A few hours later, the semi-official Fars news agency reported two missiles hitting a US warship in the southern part. The US authorities denied the report.

The day before, Trump stated that he would launch an operation called "Project Freedom" to escort ships out of the restricted waterway.

"For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business," wrote Trump.

"Many of these Ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner," he added.

He also warned that any disruption to this Project Freedom operation would be dealt with firmly. "Any interference with this operation, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully," Trump said.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that it would support the operation with about 15,000 military personnel, over 100 aircraft, warships, and drones. "Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade," said CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.

An Al Jazeera reporter in Tehran stated that US intervention would be considered by Iran as a violation of the ceasefire in place since April 8. "The Iranians are quite clear. They are saying they’re going to respond and engage militarily. And in such a case, that will be the end of the ceasefire," reported Resul Serdar Atas.

"Iran in one way or another is going to keep control over the waterway," he said.

Meanwhile, British maritime authorities stated that the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains critical due to ongoing military operations. Tensions have escalated after Iran blocked most of the shipping lanes in the region for over two months, prompting an increase in global energy prices.

Read: Iran War: Trump Says US to 'Guide Ships Safely' from Hormuz

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