The military headquarters "Khatam al-Anbia" in Iran has officially announced that Iranian forces will ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that "any passage through the strait must be coordinated with them under any circumstances" and that "there will be no passage through Hormuz without coordination." The statement warns that any foreign forces, particularly US military forces, will be attacked if they approach the strait, and that "any hostile actions by the US will destabilize the situation and endanger the safety of vessels."
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Bagai, in turn, confirmed that Washington "bears responsibility for slowing diplomatic efforts to end the war," and that the Strait of Hormuz "was a safe waterway until the start of hostilities." Bagai emphasized that guaranteeing security requires coordination with Iran’s competent authorities, adding that Iran’s actions in the strait "are in accordance with international law," and that Tehran maintains ongoing contacts with Russia and China, which have long-term agreements with Iran and continue consultations as members of the Security Council.
In response, US President Donald Trump announced the start of an operation called "Project Freedom" to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said forces are supporting the operation with guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 fighter jets, and 15,000 service members. Reports say the US Navy will provide merchant ships with information on safe routes, and Navy vessels will remain nearby "in case it becomes necessary to prevent Iranian forces from attacking merchant ships."
The international community’s reaction was mixed. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed doubts about the clarity of the operation’s framework and called for navigation through the strait to resume based on coordination between Iran and the US. Head of the Iranian parliament’s security committee Ebrahim Azizi wrote on the social network X that any US interference in the waterway will be considered a violation of the ceasefire regime that has been in effect since April 8.
The diplomatic situation remains confused: Tehran reported that it received a response from the US via Pakistan to its initiative, but Bagai called it "under consideration," refusing to disclose details and describing the US as "known for its excessive eagerness." The UK Maritime Trade Operations office announced that "the level of maritime security threat in the Strait of Hormuz remains critical" due to ongoing military operations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a strategic flashpoint: before the escalation, roughly one-fifth of global trade in oil and liquefied natural gas passed through it. Iran controls this narrow passage, while the US is enforcing a maritime blockade of Iranian ports. Repeated attacks on ships since the start of the war and fleet movements continue to make the strait a critical point of international dispute, affecting global energy security.
Comments on the news
- What is the military headquarters "Khatam al-Anbia" and what role does it play in the command structure of Iran’s armed forces? — "Khatam al-Anbia" (also known as the "Seal of the Prophets") is the main joint headquarters of Iran’s Armed Forces, created after the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988) to coordinate the actions of the Iranian Army (Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It is subordinate to the Supreme Leader of Iran and is responsible for strategic planning, mobilization, crisis management, and air defense. Its key role is to provide unified command in conditions of sanctions and military threats.
- Why is Pakistan acting as an intermediary in the dialogue between Iran and the US, and what historical ties exist between Tehran and Islamabad? — Pakistan plays a mediating role because of its geopolitical position: it borders Iran and has historical and economic ties with it. In addition, Islamabad seeks to reduce tensions between the US and Iran to avoid regional destabilization, particularly in Balochistan and the Persian Gulf. Tehran and Islamabad have long-standing links, including membership in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), cooperation in counterterrorism, and shared interests in energy. However, relations in the past have been complicated by competition for influence in Afghanistan and disputes over Baloch separatists.
- What events led to the ceasefire regime of April 8 and how is it connected to the current tension in the Strait of Hormuz? — The ceasefire regime of April 8, declared after the escalation in March 2025 (for example, following mutual strikes by the Houthis and US/Israeli forces in Yemen and attacks on Iranian consulates in Syria), resulted from indirect negotiations mediated by Oman and Qatar. It aims to reduce the intensity of the conflict that threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a third of the world’s maritime oil passes. The current tension in the strait is linked to Iran and its allies (for example, the Houthis) using control of this strategic passage as leverage against the US and its allies, and as a response to sanctions and military threats from the West.
Full version: إيران تحذر من عبور هرمز دون تنسيق وترامب يعلن بدء عملية "مشروع الحرية"