Iran's Parliament on Monday warned Bahrain and other governments against supporting a United States resolution concerning the Strait of Hormuz, with officials stating that a US proposal to escort commercial vessels through the waterway would violate a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump had announced that Washington would begin "Project Freedom" on Monday morning, Middle East time, to "guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways." Trump stated this initiative was designed to protect "neutral and innocent bystanders" and followed "very positive discussions." The head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament warned that such an operation was "not acceptable."
Iranian Military Warnings Issued
Iran's unified armed forces command issued a warning to the US Navy, stating that any entry into the Strait of Hormuz could be met with force. The Iranian military threatened to attack any foreign military forces, particularly US forces, that attempt to enter or approach the strait. Ebrahim Azizi, a member of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, cautioned against such actions, writing, "Do not close the doors of the Strait of Hormuz to yourself forever!" The unified command further asserted that "the security of the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and under all circumstances, any safe passage must be coordinated with the armed forces." Meanwhile, Seyed Abbas Araghchi stressed that diplomacy remains “the only viable path” toward resolving tensions. US President Donald Trump had previously indicated that American officials were engaged in “very positive discussions” with Iran.
Parliamentary Statements on Strait Access
Ali Nikzad, a member of the Iranian parliament, stated that "The Strait of Hormuz will never return to [its] pre-war state," suggesting a permanent shift in maritime access. Nikzad further claimed that vessels associated with the United States and its allies would only be permitted passage if they paid war reparations. He additionally asserted that Israeli vessels "will under no circumstances" be allowed through the strategic waterway. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump commented on a recent proposal from Tehran to end hostilities within 30 days, describing it as "not acceptable." Nikzad's remarks show Iran's parliamentary stance regarding future access and control over the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing tensions.
US Operation and Regional Security
The initiative, named "Project Freedom," aims to assist vessels reportedly stranded in restricted waterways within and surrounding the Persian Gulf. President Donald Trump indicated that this effort was initiated following requests from nations whose ships had been unable to depart the Strait. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) maintained the security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz as "critical" on Monday.
"The maritime security threat level in the SoH remains CRITICAL due to ongoing regional military operations," UKMTO stated, advising mariners to "expect increased naval presence, enhanced force protection postures, potential VHF hailing, and congestion near anchorage areas." Separately, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi early on Monday. Araghchi has previously stressed that diplomacy remains "the only viable path" toward resolving tensions.
