Iran’s military said Monday that US forces would be attacked if they entered the Strait of Hormuz, after US President Donald Trump announced Washington would guide trapped ships through the blockaded waterway.

“We warn that any foreign armed force — especially the aggressive US military — will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz,” said Iran’s military chief Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi in a statement carried by state broadcaster IRIB.

“We have repeatedly stated 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 these forces,” he added.

Meanwhile, the US-led Joint Maritime Information Center said an “enhanced security area” was set up south of typical shipping routes, and urged mariners to coordinate closely with Omani authorities “due to anticipated high traffic volume.”

Passing close to the usual routes “should be considered extremely hazardous due to the presence of mines that have not been fully surveyed and mitigated,” the task force said.

Trump in his announcement Sunday threatened to respond “forcefully” to any interference in the US operation, but otherwise gave few details of his plan to aid ships and their crews that have been “locked up” in the strait.

In a statement early Monday, the US Central Command said it would support “Project Freedom” with 15,000 military personnel and more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, along with warships and drones.

“The mission, directed by the president, will support merchant........

© The Times of Israel