Iran Says US Plan to Guide Ships Through Strait of Hormuz Violates Ceasefire
Reflecto News | Breaking News | Iran-US Conflict
TEHRAN — Iran has warned that the United States’ planned naval operation to guide stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz constitutes a violation of the fragile April 8 ceasefire and could trigger a dangerous escalation .
The warning came from Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, after President Donald Trump announced “Project Freedom,” a U.S. initiative beginning Monday to escort foreign ships out of the blockaded waterway.
“Any US interference in the Strait of Hormuz will constitute a violation of the ceasefire. If the US seeks to send a fleet into the strait, it would be an illegal act and an aggression against Iran, and we will respond accordingly.”
— Ebrahim Azizi, Head of Iranian Parliament’s National Security Commission
🔴 ‘An Illegal Act and Aggression Against Iran’
Azizi’s statement escalates the stakes of the naval confrontation. The Iranian official did not specify what form a “response” might take, but the IRGC maintains a fleet of fast-attack boats, shore-based anti-ship missiles, and naval mines that have been used in previous attacks on both military and commercial vessels .
Azizi also dismissed Trump’s claim that the U.S. is in “very positive discussions” with Iran, stating that “the reality is that negotiations are ongoing, but there has been no breakthrough” .
🛡️ IRGC Threatens U.S. Forces
Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, escalated the threat further, posting on X: “The US is the only pirate in the world that possesses aircraft carriers. Prepare to face a graveyard of your carriers and forces” .
The IRGC has previously warned that any foreign armed forces, “especially the aggressive US army,” will be attacked if they attempt to approach or enter the strait . Iranian military officials have stated that any ship movement must be coordinated with Tehran “under any circumstances” .
🚢 ‘Project Freedom’ vs. Iran’s Red Lines
Trump announced “Project Freedom” Sunday evening on Truth Social, declaring that the U.S. will begin guiding hundreds of stranded vessels out of the Gulf on Monday morning Middle East time . The operation will be carried out by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), with approximately 15,000 military personnel, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, warships, and drones .
The president framed the initiative as a humanitarian gesture, stating that many of the more than 900 stranded commercial vessels are “running low on food, and everything else necessary for large-scale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner” . He also issued a warning: any interference with the humanitarian process “will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully” .
Iran considers the Strait of Hormuz to be under its sovereign control, despite its status as an international waterway under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Tehran has demanded that any ship transiting the strait must request Iranian permission and pay a toll .
🕊️ Ceasefire Timeline and Risks
The April 8 ceasefire was brokered by Pakistan and has largely halted direct exchanges of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces, though the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and Iran’s reciprocal stranglehold on the strait have continued .
The fragile truce has enabled back-channel diplomatic talks, with Iran currently reviewing a U.S. response to its 14-point peace proposal . Trump described the discussions as “very positive” on Sunday, though Iran’s Azizi characterized the situation more cautiously, stating that “the ball is now in the United States’ court to choose the path of diplomacy or the continuation of a confrontational approach” .
🗣️ Official Responses
The White House did not immediately respond to Iran’s accusations of a ceasefire violation. However, a senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, rejected Tehran’s claim, stating that “the United States has the right to ensure freedom of navigation in international waters under international law” .
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which confirmed at least the two-dozen-th attack on shipping in and around the strait since the war began, issued a fresh warning on Sunday, advising vessels to “transit with caution” as tensions escalate .
🔮 What Comes Next
The launch of “Project Freedom” could bring the fragile ceasefire to an end.
If U.S. warships enter the strait without Iranian permission, the IRGC has indicated it will view that as an act of aggression; the US Navy, for its part, will be under orders to protect commercial vessels and respond forcefully to any Iranian interference.
The coming hours will determine whether the two sides can de-escalate or whether the region plunges back into open conflict. The stakes could not be higher for the global economy and for the hundreds of stranded vessels whose crews await rescue .
📋 Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Iran’s Statement | US plan to guide ships through Strait of Hormuz “violates the ceasefire” |
| Iran’s Threat | IRGC warns of response; adviser says “prepare to face a graveyard” of US carriers |
| US Plan | “Project Freedom” to escort stranded ships from Gulf; begins Monday |
| Ceasefire Status | In place since April 8; now at risk of collapse |
| Diplomacy | Iran reviewing US response to 14-point peace proposal |
| Legal Argument | US cites international law (freedom of navigation); Iran cites sovereign control |
| Risk Level | High; any confrontation could trigger wider conflict |
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