The United States began Project Freedom Hormuz on Monday to guide stranded commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This decision came despite Iranian warnings that the move could violate the ceasefire.
President Donald Trump said the operation aimed to help ships leave restricted waterways. He also warned that authorities would deal with any interference “forcefully”.
US Central Command said the mission would involve 15,000 personnel, guided-missile destroyers and more than 100 aircraft.
A US official said the initiative was not an escort mission. Officials said US naval forces would operate nearby and provide guidance on safer routes through the strait.
Trump described the move as a humanitarian gesture for ships and crews trapped since the Iran war began in February.
Senior Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi said Iranian officials would consider any American interference in the Strait of Hormuz a violation of the ceasefire.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi raised similar concerns in a phone call with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. He said US actions near Iranian commercial ships were obstructing diplomacy.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remained critical. Therefore, they advised vessels to coordinate with Omani authorities.
The Strait of Hormuz normally carries about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. The International Chamber of Shipping reported that about 20,000 seafarers have been stranded in Gulf waters.
