The United States Central Command said on Tuesday that its forces deployed in the Middle East are enforcing a naval blockade against Iran, alongside the implementation of the “Freedom Project” operation.
The operation was launched on Monday following an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to assist ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz to exit safely.
Trump stated that countries from around the world—most of which are not involved in the Middle East conflict—have requested U.S. assistance in freeing their ships, describing them as “neutral parties.”
On Monday, a senior Iranian official warned that Tehran would consider any U.S. intervention in the Strait of Hormuz as a violation of the ceasefire, following Trump’s announcement of the escort operation.
Ebrahim Azizi, head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee in Iran’s parliament, said on the X platform that “any U.S. intervention in the new maritime system of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire.”
Washington denied striking any U.S. Navy vessel, responding to Iranian reports claiming that a U.S. warship had been forced to retreat from entering the strait.
Iranian media had earlier reported, citing local sources, that two missiles struck a U.S. warship near Jask Island after it ignored Iranian warnings, adding that the vessel turned back.
Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported that the navy had prevented U.S. warships from entering the Strait of Hormuz area.
