Iran Warns US Over Strait of Hormuz Amid Blockade

Iran has warned US forces against entering the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump announced plans to help free ships stranded in the Gulf due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. According to multiple sources, Iran's unified command issued a stern warning that any foreign armed forces attempting to enter the strait would be attacked.

The US Central Command has stated it will support this effort with 15,000 military personnel and more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of ships and up to 20,000 seafarers being unable to transit the strait, according to the International Maritime Organisation.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that a tanker had been hit by unknown projectiles in the strait soon after Trump's comments. The incident occurred 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah in the UAE, with all crew members reported safe. Iran has been blocking nearly all shipping from the Gulf apart from its own for more than two months, sending energy prices soaring.

The US and Israel suspended their bombing campaign against Iran four weeks ago, and officials from both countries held one round of talks. Attempts to set up further meetings have so far failed. The proposal to delay talks on nuclear issues until a later phase would appear at odds with Washington's repeated demand that Iran accept stringent restrictions on its nuclear programme before the war can end.