Iran Warns US Navy to Stay Clear of Hormuz as Trump Proposes Aid for Stranded Ships
Iran’s military issued a stern warning to US forces on Monday, advising them to avoid entering the Strait of Hormuz. This statement follows President Donald Trump’s announcement that the US would begin efforts to assist ships stranded in the Gulf due to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Trump’s Plan for Stranded Ships
President Trump revealed limited details regarding the initiative aimed at aiding vessels and their crews, who have been “locked up” in the crucial waterway for over two months, facing shortages of food and supplies. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “We have told these countries that we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business.”
In response, Iran’s unified command warned US forces to stay clear of the strait, emphasizing that any perceived threat would be met with a “harsh” response. The military urged commercial vessels and oil tankers to refrain from movement unless coordinated with Iranian forces.
Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran’s unified command, asserted, “We have repeatedly said the security of the Strait of Hormuz is in our hands and that the safe passage of vessels needs to be coordinated with the armed forces. We warn that any foreign armed forces, especially the aggressive US army, will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz.”
US Military Support and Regional Implications
The US Central Command announced plans to bolster the operation with 15,000 military personnel, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, as well as warships and drones. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, stated, “Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade.”
According to the International Maritime Organization, hundreds of ships and approximately 20,000 seafarers have been unable to transit the strait during the ongoing conflict.
Following Trump’s comments, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that a tanker in the strait had been struck by unidentified projectiles. Fortunately, all crew members were reported safe, though details about the incident remain scarce.
Iran has effectively blocked nearly all shipping from the Gulf, except for its own, for over two months, leading to a surge in energy prices. Some vessels attempting to navigate the strait have reported being fired upon, and Iran has seized several ships. Last month, the US implemented its own blockade on vessels from Iranian ports.
The Trump administration is actively seeking international support to form a coalition aimed at securing shipping routes in the strait. CENTCOM indicated that this latest initiative would blend “diplomatic action with military coordination.”
Uncertainty Surrounding US Operations
It remains unclear which countries the US operation will assist or how it will be executed. Reports suggest that US Navy ships may not necessarily escort commercial vessels, as noted by Axios reporter Barak Ravid.
The White House has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the operation. Trump has warned that any interference with US efforts would “have to be dealt with forcefully.”
Iran’s Response to US Peace Proposal
On the economic front, equity markets saw a slight uptick on Monday, while crude oil prices remained relatively stable, having recently surged above $100 per barrel amid ongoing uncertainty regarding the conflict’s resolution.
Iran announced that it had received a US response to its latest peace proposal, just a day after Trump indicated he would likely reject the Iranian offer, stating they “have not paid a big enough price.” Trump mentioned that discussions were progressing “very well,” without providing further details.
Iranian state media reported that Washington conveyed its response to Tehran’s 14-point proposal through Pakistan, and that Iran is currently reviewing it. There has been no immediate confirmation from Washington or Islamabad regarding the US response.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, stated, “At this stage, we do not have nuclear negotiations.” This comment appears to reference Iran’s suggestion to postpone discussions on nuclear issues until after the conflict concludes and both sides agree to lift their respective blockades on Gulf shipping.
Diverging Proposals and Demands
The Iranian proposal to delay nuclear discussions until a later phase contradicts Washington’s insistence that Iran must accept stringent restrictions on its nuclear program before any resolution to the conflict can be reached. The US demands that Tehran relinquish its stockpile of over 400 kg of highly enriched uranium, which could potentially be used to develop a nuclear weapon.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful but has expressed willingness to discuss certain limitations in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. This approach mirrors terms from a 2015 agreement that Trump later abandoned.
Despite asserting he is not in a rush, Trump faces mounting domestic pressure to address Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway responsible for 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies. Rising gasoline prices pose a risk of voter backlash for Trump’s Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for November.
Iranian media reported that Tehran’s 14-point proposal includes demands for the withdrawal of US forces from nearby regions, lifting the blockade, releasing frozen assets, providing compensation, ending sanctions, and establishing a new control mechanism for the strait.
As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-05-04 06:36:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk