Iran Threatens US Forces at Hormuz as “Project Freedom” Gets Underway

by | May 4, 2026 | News

gray warship on body of water

Iran’s military chief warned Monday that any US forces entering the Strait of Hormuz would be attacked, as Washington launched “Project Freedom” — a military-backed maritime coordination effort aimed at freeing hundreds of vessels stranded by Iran’s blockade of the strategic waterway.

US Central Command said the operation would deploy 15,000 personnel, over 100 aircraft, warships, and drones. However, two senior US officials told the Wall Street Journal and Axios that American warships would not directly escort commercial ships — instead providing navigation guidance around Iranian mines, while remaining nearby in case of attack.

Iran imposed the blockade following a US-Israeli bombing campaign launched February 28 targeting Iran’s missile and nuclear programs. The closure has disrupted roughly a fifth of global oil shipments and left an estimated 20,000 seafarers stranded.

Shortly after Trump announced the operation, a tanker reported being struck by unknown projectiles in the strait. Iran separately claimed it fired on a US Navy vessel attempting passage — a claim a US official denied to Axios.

French President Emmanuel Macron said France would not join what he called an “unclear” military operation, insisting that a coordinated US-Iran diplomatic resolution was the only real path to reopening the strait.

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