Iran warns the US against entering Hormuz, threatening strong retaliation after Trump prepared to help the ships navigate the crisis.
Tensions have escalated in the strategic strait after the United States intensified its efforts to protect shipping, while Iran reiterated its control over global energy routes amid uncertainty surrounding peace negotiations.
On May 4, 2026, at 1:34 PM, Reuters reported that the Iranian military issued a clear warning to the United States not to enter the Strait of Hormuz after Donald Trump announced plans to rescue ships stranded in the Gulf as a result of the US-Israeli-Iran conflict.
Trump stated that the U.S. would guide the ships safely so they could exit the restricted waterways, although he did not disclose many operational details. This comes as many ships have been stranded in the area for more than two months and are beginning to experience shortages of food and supplies.
Iran declares, "Security is in our hands," and threatens to strike if the United States approaches.
Iran's Joint Military Command reiterated that security in the Strait of Hormuz is under Iranian control and that ship passage must be coordinated with the military.
Ali Abdollahi stated, "Foreign forces, especially the US military, will be attacked if they attempt to approach or enter the strait," and warned merchant ships and oil tankers to avoid moving there without coordination with Iranian authorities.
The United States is deploying 15,000 troops to protect global energy routes.
The US Central Command stated that it would support the mission with approximately 15,000 troops, more than 100 aircraft, as well as warships and drones.
Commander Brad Cooper stated that the mission is critical to regional security and the global economy amidst the current maritime blockade.
Data from the International Maritime Organization indicates that hundreds of ships and over 20,000 crew members are unable to pass through the strait.
Tensions remain high as oil prices surge and ships are attacked.
Following Trump's announcement, a tanker was reportedly struck by an unidentified object in the Strait of Hormuz. While the crew is safe, the incident reflects increased risks.
For over two months, Iran has blockaded most shipping lanes, except for its own, resulting in soaring energy prices, while some ships have been fired upon or seized. Meanwhile, the United States has also imposed a blockade on ships from Iranian ports.
The US is rushing to establish an alliance to protect its ships, but the form of this alliance remains unclear.
The Trump administration attempted to assemble an international alliance to establish a mechanism to protect shipping lanes, using both diplomacy and military coordination.
However, it remains unclear which countries the plan would benefit, or whether commercial ships would receive direct protection from the U.S. Navy.
The peace negotiations remain uncertain, despite positive signs.
In financial markets, global stocks edged slightly higher, while oil prices remained above $100 amid uncertainty surrounding the situation. Iran revealed that it had received a response from the United States regarding its 14-point peace plan, submitted through Pakistan, and that it was currently under consideration.
Although Trump stated that "the negotiations are going well," he had previously signaled that he might reject the offer, believing that Iran had not paid enough.
However, a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that there are currently no nuclear negotiations, suggesting that discussions on the issue be postponed until after the war ends.
The circumstances are still too far apart, risking a prolonged situation.
Iran's proposals, including the withdrawal of US troops, the lifting of the blockade, and the release of assets, are seen as contradicting US demands that Iran dispose of its stockpile of over 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium.
As pressure builds in the United States from soaring oil and gasoline prices, it could impact the midterm elections in November.
Reference: www.reuters.com
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