Middle East Crisis Strait of Hormuz

New US operation in the Strait – 15,000 soldiers to participate

The US will begin helping ships to get out of the blocked Strait of Hormuz on Monday, President Donald Trump and the military command Centcom announced. Trump writes that the US will “to the best of its ability” pilot the ships.

According to Trump, countries from all over the world, the majority of which are not involved in the conflict, have contacted us and asked for US help.

“They are neutral and innocent bystanders!”

Trump describes it as a “humanitarian gesture” from both the US and Iran. Centcom states that around 15,000 soldiers, over 100 planes as well as drones and ships will participate in the operation.

It is unclear how many ships will receive help.

Iran Warns: Will Attack US if They Enter Strait

Iran says US forces will be attacked if they enter the Strait of Hormuz, writes Reuters.

The US has previously announced that it will begin escorting ships through the strait starting today.

– We have said several times that the security of the Strait of Hormuz is in our hands and that safe passage for ships needs to be coordinated with our armed forces, says Iranian military chief Ali Abdollahi.

Expert: US plan places them within firing range of Iran

The US plan to begin escorting cargo ships through the Strait of Hormuz would place US soldiers within firing range of Iran. This is what Negar Mortazavi at the Center for International Policy think tank tells Al Jazeera. She says it is difficult to see what the US would gain from entering the blocked strait.

– I don’t know if this is a threat. Is it a negotiating strategy? Or is it even the president’s plan?

Iranian military commanders said on Monday morning that the US would be attacked if it went ahead with its plans. Donald Trump has said it is a “humanitarian operation”.