Tensions have escalated during the Iran war following attacks and blockades in the Strait of Hormuz.
09:01, Mon, May 4, 2026 Updated: 09:01, Mon, May 4, 2026
Donald Trump made the announcement on Truth Social on Sunday (Image: Getty)
Iran has issued a chilling war threat after Donald Trump said 'Project Freedom' will begin today in a move that will see the US escort ships out of the Strait Hormuz. The vital waterway has become a major flashpoint in the ongoing tensions involving the US and Iran, with blockades, attacks and threats severely disrupting global shipping route
The announcement after countries around the world reportedly asked Washington to help free vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz - many of which are not involved in the conflict. He said the US would guide vessels safely through the restricted waterway so they could “get on with their business”, describing the mission as a humanitarian effort. However, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has chillingly warned it will target US forces if they attempt to approach or enter the vital shipping lane. It said in a statement carried by state-run broadcaster IRIB: "We warn that any foreign armed force, especially the invading American army, will be attacked if they attempt to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz."
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'No nuclear negotiations'
Tehran is reviewing the U.S. response to its latest proposal to end the war, Iran’s judiciary Mizan news agency cited Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei as saying.
But “at this stage, we have no nuclear negotiations,” Baghaei said.
Not clear yet if vessels accepted US offer
It was unclear as of Monday morning whether any vessels had accepted the US offer and Iran’s military command told state broadcaster IRIB on Monday that ships passing must coordinate with them.
Blockade depriving Iran of oil revenue
The U.S. naval blockade since April 13 is depriving Tehran of oil revenue it needs to shore up its ailing economy.
US troops in the strait. (Image: Getty)
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'Interference would be a ceasefire violation'
Ebrahim Azizi, head of the national security commission of Iran’s parliament, said on X that any interference in the strait would be seen as a ceasefire violation.
Ships stuck since February
Ships and seafarers, many on oil and gas tankers and cargo ships, have been stuck in the Persian Gulf since the war began.
Deal between the two sides seems far away
Before his statement on Sunday, Mr Trump said he could "blast the hell" out of Iran.
A deal between the two sides seems as far away as ever, with rounds of talks collapsing without an agreement.
Operation is a 'gesture of goodwill'
Mr Trump said the operation is a "gesture of goodwill" after months of intense conflict, and suggested it could help ease tensions between those involved in the crisis.
(Image: Getty)
15,000 US personnel involved in Project Freedom mission
In a statement issued yesterday (Sunday, 3 May), the US Command said this operation will include 15,000 personnel, guided-missile destroyers, and more than 100 aircraft.
'Countries asking for US help'
Mr Trump said many countries are asking the US to help free up the ships in the strait.
Here is the president's message on Truth Social.
Iran to attack armed forces if they attempt to enter the strait
Iran has issued a chilling war threat after Donald Trump said 'Project Freedom' will begin today in a move that will see the US escort ships out of the Strait Hormuz.
Iran said "any foreign armed force, especially the invading American army, will be attacked if they attempt to approach and enter the strait".
Welcome
Welcome to our live blog. We will bring you the latest updates on the US's 'Project Freedom' and the Strait of Hormuz.
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