Donald Trump launches operation to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, Iran warns against any American interference

From Monday morning, the US Navy will escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz from countries “that have nothing to do with the conflict in the Middle East.”

Published on 04/05/2026 at 08:12

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A new development in the Middle East conflict. Donald Trump has announced an operation starting on Monday, May 4 to release ships stranded in the Gulf for two months. However, Tehran quickly responded that any American intervention in the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a violation of the ceasefire.

The American president, who initiated hostilities against Iran on February 28 with Israel, mentioned on Sunday night “a humanitarian gesture” and “good will” towards the sailors blocked by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. From Monday morning, the US Navy will escort ships from countries “that have nothing to do with the conflict in the Middle East,” as announced by Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform.

He warned, though, that if this operation, named Project Freedom, were to be hindered by Iran, it “would unfortunately have to be dealt with by force.” He nevertheless praised “very positive” discussions with Tehran through Pakistan intermediaries. The US military command for the Middle East clarified that the operation would involve missile-launching destroyers, over a hundred aircraft, and 15,000 soldiers.

This operation is not welcomed by Iran, which has warned against a violation of the ceasefire in place since April 8. “Any American intervention in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire,” cautioned the president of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, Ebrahim Azizi.

Since the beginning of hostilities, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil consumption usually passes. Washington responded in early April by blocking Iranian ports in return.

“The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has enormous repercussions on the Indo-Pacific,” emphasized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, visiting Australia on Monday, as the region heavily relies on the Middle East for its energy. The blockade of the strait has caused oil prices to soar to the highest since 2022 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Prices stabilized on Asian markets on Monday, with a barrel of Brent, the global benchmark, inching up 0.39% to $108.59, far from the $126 surpassed on Thursday.