Iran has warned that it will target any commercial or military vessel attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz without its approval, escalating tensions with the United States. A senior Iranian commander said foreign forces, particularly those of the United States, would be attacked if they approached the strategic waterway without coordination.

The warning follows President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States would help ships stranded in the strait due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel. The United States Central Command said the effort, called Project Freedom, would involve warships, aircraft, unmanned systems, and thousands of service members to help coordinate ship movements, though it did not explicitly state that vessels would be escorted.

Roughly one fifth of the world's oil and gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's control over access has driven global energy prices sharply higher. The United States has responded with a naval blockade of Iranian ports, while diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have stalled despite high level talks. European nations have expressed concern about securing shipping routes but are wary of being drawn further into the conflict.