The Iranian military has warned of a kinetic response to the US naval mission, 'Project Freedom', aimed at escorting stranded vessels out of the strategic Hormuz Strait.
The Iranian leadership claims sole authority over the chokepoint, with any breach of this perceived sovereignty expected to meet a military response.
US President Donald Trump has announced the mission to assist commercial vessels trapped in the Strait, citing humanitarian concerns and the need to free up ships from regions not involved in the Middle Eastern dispute.
However, Tehran has issued a stern counter-directive to global shipping interests, warning that any foreign armed force, including the US, will be attacked if they attempt to approach and enter the Strait without coordination.
The mission, scheduled to commence on Monday morning, aims to escort ships from regions 'that are not in any way involved with that which is currently taking place in the Middle East'.
