Iran has warned the United States against getting drawn into a “quagmire” as tensions continue in the Strait of Hormuz despite a fragile ceasefire.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said recent developments in the strategic waterway showed there was “no military solution to a political crisis.”
“Events in Hormuz make clear that there's no military solution to a political crisis. As talks are making progress with Pakistan's gracious effort, the US should be wary of being dragged back into a quagmire by ill-wishers. So should the UAE,” Araghchi wrote on X.
He also dismissed US President Donald Trump’s “Project Freedom” initiative aimed at escorting stranded merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “Project Deadlock.”
The remarks came as tensions between Iran and the United States continued despite a ceasefire declared nearly a month ago. The United Arab Emirates has also reported attacks for the first time since the truce began.
Trump warned that Iran would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if it attacked US vessels escorting ships through the strait.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Iran had already targeted some vessels linked to the operation, including a South Korean cargo ship.
“Iran has taken some shots at unrelated nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship. Perhaps it's time for South Korea to come and join the mission,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
The US president also claimed American forces had shot down seven small boats in the region.
“We've shot down seven small Boats or, as they like to call them, ‘fast’ Boats. It's all they have left,” he said.
Trump added that the US military buildup in the region was continuing and said American bases worldwide were fully equipped for potential escalation if necessary.