US announces ship escort in Hormuz and increases tension with Iran

US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will begin this Monday (5) an operation to escort ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the impasse in the conflict with Iran and the military presence in the region.

In a publication on the Truth Social network, Trump stated that the so-called “Freedom Project” will “guide” vessels from countries not involved in the war away from the sea. Iranian authorities, however, reinforce the position that any movement in the strait will depend on authorization from their Armed Forces.

“For the sake of Iran, the Middle East and the United States, we inform these countries that we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways so that they can continue their business freely and without problems”, published the president of the United States.

Trump did not provide details on how the US would carry out the operation, but said the effort would begin on Monday morning, “Middle Eastern time” – Tehran is six and a half hours ahead of Brasilia time.

The Iranian reaction came a few minutes later. According to the state agency Mehr, an interlocutor linked to the security forces stated that the country “is fully prepared for any scenario” in the Strait of Hormuz and reported initial shots fired at US military vessels.

According to the same source, the Iranian Armed Forces “will not allow the passage of American military forces, and any movement in the Strait of Hormuz will not occur without authorization” from the Iranian authorities.

The position was reinforced by the commander of the Central General Headquarters Khatam al-Anbia, General Ali Abdollahi, who warned that any foreign military force, especially from the USA, could be the target of attacks if they try to enter the area.

He further stated that Iran will “preserve and firmly manage the security of the Strait of Hormuz,” recommending that commercial ships avoid crossing without prior coordination with the Armed Forces.