Iran threatens to attack US troops in Hormuz.
On the afternoon of May 4th, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz shifted from diplomatic confrontation to the imminent threat of direct armed conflict. Immediately after Washington announced its plan to escort the ships, the Iranian military ordered a state of readiness for attack, while an oil tanker was hit by gunfire off the coast of the UAE.
In contrast to the somewhat cautious signals in the morning, on the afternoon of May 4th, Major General Ali Abdollahi of the Iranian Central Command issued a strong statement on state television IRIB. He asserted that any foreign forces entering Hormuz without coordination with Tehran would be considered targets of attack.
We warn any foreign armed forces that if they attempt to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz, they will be targeted and attacked to destroy them.
Major General Abdollahi emphasized
At the same time, Ebrahim Azizi, Chairman of Iran's National Security Committee, declared that any US interference with the "new maritime mechanism" there would be considered by Tehran as a serious violation of the existing ceasefire, which was established on April 8. This would mean that Iran could officially resume large-scale military operations.
In another development, the UK Maritime Trade Authority (UKMTO) confirmed that an oil tanker was struck by unidentified flying objects while traveling 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah (UAE).
Although the entire crew was reported safe, the incident immediately sent shockwaves through energy markets. World oil prices, which had already risen 50% since the start of the conflict, were further pressured by increased shipping risks.
Despite threats from Iran, the US remains steadfast in its stance."Operation Freedom"The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it is deploying guided missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, and 15,000 personnel to begin escorting over 900 stranded commercial vessels.
Faced with a critical situation, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a "coordinated open" solution. Macron emphasized that coordination between the US and Iran is the only way to reopen the strait without causing further bloodshed.
In Washington, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent further fueled the fire by declaring that the "Economic Fury" campaign was working. He asserted that sanctions were suffocating the Tehran regime to the point where it could no longer pay its soldiers' salaries.
