Iran’s IRGC warns it will attack US forces if they approach Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) issued a stark warning on Monday, stating that any foreign military force—especially US troops—will be targeted if they attempt to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz. “We warn that any foreign armed force, especially the invading American army, will be attacked if they attempt to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz,” the IRGC said in a statement carried by state-run IRIB. The corps added that any safe passage and navigation in the strait must occur in coordination with Tehran “under any circumstances,” urging ships and tankers to refrain from transiting without prior approval.

CENTCOM’s Project Freedom

The warning came shortly after US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it would begin supporting “Project Freedom” on May 4 to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. “U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will begin supporting Project Freedom, May 4, to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM posted on X. The rival announcements raise the prospect of direct military confrontation between Iranian and US naval forces.

Conflict background

Tensions have surged since Feb. 28, when the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, prompting Iranian retaliation against Israeli targets and US allies in the Gulf. Since April 13, Washington has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic. A Pakistan-mediated two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11, but no lasting agreement was reached. President Trump later extended the truce at Pakistan’s request without a new deadline.