An influential Iranian legislator has issued a stern warning against any potential U.S. involvement in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that such actions would breach the ceasefire agreement between the two nations. This comes in response to former President Trump’s proposal to escort foreign vessels through the strait as a “humanitarian gesture.”
Ebrahim Azizi took to social media platform X to express his views, asserting that the delicate situation in the Gulf cannot be dictated by what he described as “Trump’s delusional posts.” This statement came after Trump announced plans to assist those affected by the obstruction in Iranian waters.
Azizi, who leads the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, stated unequivocally that any U.S. action in the maritime region of the Strait of Hormuz would be seen as violating the ceasefire.
He further asserted, “The governance of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf will not be influenced by Trump’s online declarations. No one will be swayed by these blame-shifting tactics!”
In response, Trump revealed a new initiative, “Project Freedom,” set to commence on Monday morning. This effort aims to aid “neutral and innocent bystanders” caught in the conflict.
Trump elaborated, saying, “For the benefit of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have informed these countries that we intend to safely guide their ships out of these restricted waterways, allowing them to conduct their business freely and effectively.”
‘Again, these are Ships from areas of the World that are not in any way involved with that which is currently taking place in the Middle East.
‘I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait. In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else.’
Trump is seen here talking to reporters on Saturday
Tankers are seen here anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, Iran, Saturday, April 18, 2026
He continued: ‘This process, Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning, Middle East time.
‘I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all.
‘The Ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong — They are victims of circumstance.’
The announcement came after Iran sent a 14-point plan which called on the US to end the war within 30 days.
The Middle Eastern nation’s latest request aims for the conflict to be resolved, instead of extending the ceasefire, according to Iran’s state-linked media.
Trump added on Saturday that he was reviewing a new Iranian proposal to end the war, but also expressed doubt that it would lead to a deal.
The proposal, a rebuttal to the US nine-point plan, also calls for the US to lift sanctions on Iran, ending the naval blockade, withdrawing forces from the region, and ceasing all hostilities, including Israel’s operations in Lebanon, according to the semi-official Nour News agency, which has close ties to the country’s security organizations.
Pakistan has hosted negotiations between Iran and the US in the past, and Trump rejected a previous Iranian proposal this week.
However, conversations have continued, and the fragile three-week ceasefire appears to be holding.
On Sunday, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with Oman’s foreign minister Badr al Busaidi, who oversaw previous rounds of talks between the US and Iran before the latest round of fighting.
Iran effectively closed the Strait by attacking and threatening ships after the US and Israel launched a war on February 28.
Tehran later offered some ships safe passage via routes closer to its shore, charging fees at times.
The US has responded with a naval blockade of Iranian ports since April 13, depriving Tehran of the oil revenue it needs to shore up its ailing economy.
