While a lot remains unclear about the US’ plan, this could be a dangerous momentpublished at 11:36 BST
Joe Inwood
World news correspondent
The president’s plan to guide ships out of the Strait of Hormuz – announced as so often via social media – raised many questions.
First among them was whether it was being done with Iran’s consent – or over their heads. The initial post said it was “a humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern countries but, in particular, the country of Iran”.
A statement read on Iranian State TV appeared to answer this, saying the strait was “under the control of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran”.
Thousands of sailors have been trapped in the waterway since the start of the war – with supplies said to be dwindling. The US president says it will be a one-way journey – implying this is not about unblocking the Strait of Hormuz – but rather saying it is a “humanitarian gesture”, calling the sailors “innocent bystanders”.
The statement from US Central Command, which usually offers more clarity, did not specify what form this support would take, simply saying US forces would “support merchant vessels seeking to freely transit” the Strait.
There is a vast difference between offering information and guidance to a ship – and actually providing a military escort. If they propose to do the latter, it could well bring them back into direct military confrontation with Iran.
The statement from the IRGC about their response was unequivocal: “We warn that any foreign armed forces – especially the aggressive U.S. military – that intends to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted.”
This operation, which Trump called an act of “goodwill”, has the potential to become a dangerous flashpoint.
