Iran’s military chief warned that any vessel entering the Strait of Hormuz without permission would face attack, heightening tensions after the U.S. announced Project Freedom to free trapped ships. The threat follows weeks of Iranian blockade that left dozens of commercial vessels stranded, rattling global energy markets for oil traders worldwide and investors watch closely as.

Ali Abdollahi, a senior commander in Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, issued the warning, demanding that all commercial ships and oil tankers coordinate with Iranian forces before transiting. He cautioned that the U.S. military, seen as the most aggressive foreign force, would be targeted if it approached the strait by Iranian defenders during any operation.

Trump’s initiative, dubbed Project Freedom, promises U.S. naval support, including guided‑missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members. The administration said it would coordinate the movement of stranded vessels, but did not confirm escort duties, leaving shipping companies uncertain about safety in the contested waterway for the 2026 year and future operations.

The blockade has pushed global oil prices toward a new peak, with markets reacting strongly to any hint of further restrictions. European powers, including Britain and France, have urged the U.S. to police the strait immediately, fearing involvement could drag them into conflict. Iran’s threat underscores the strategic leverage the waterway holds for global energy.