US sends closed message to Iran before operation in Strait of Hormuz

Washington (ANTARA) - The United States government, on Sunday (3/5), conveyed a confidential message to Iran that the Pentagon would commence an operation in the Strait of Hormuz to escort ships attempting to leave that route. The Axios news portal, on Tuesday (5/5), citing US officials and related sources, reported that the White House seeks to prevent escalation by requesting Tehran not to disrupt the operation, which was subsequently announced as Project Freedom. However, the report states that Iran is suspected of attacking a US Navy vessel. Earlier on the same day, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that Washington is communicating with Iran both openly and confidentially to ensure Tehran does not obstruct the implementation of Project Freedom. He added that President Donald Trump remains open to the option of continuing large-scale military operations against Iran if no agreement is reached. The operation began on Monday morning. The conflict in the Middle East region has intensified since 28 February, when the US and Israel launched joint strikes against several targets in Iran, causing damage and civilian casualties. On 7 April, Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire, but subsequent talks in Islamabad ended without agreement. Trump then extended the cessation of attacks to give Iran time to prepare a “comprehensive proposal.”