US Launches Shipping Escort Mission in Hormuz, Keeps Pressure on Iran

The United States has begun escorting commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz while maintaining blockade on Iran, amid rising tensions and rejected diplomacy.

The United States Central Command said it has begun escort missions for commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, following an order from Donald Trump, while maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

In a statement on Monday, CENTCOM said the operation aims to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial shipping passing through the strategic waterway, describing it as a vital international trade corridor. The mission is intended to support vessels seeking safe passage, even as broader military pressure on Iran continues.

Brigadier General Brad Cooper, a senior CENTCOM commander, said the operation was essential for both regional security and the global economy, noting that the United States would continue enforcing maritime restrictions alongside escort operations.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical اenergy chokepoints, with roughly a quarter of global seaborne oil trade passing through it, along with significant shipments of fuel and fertilizer.

The U.S. State Department, in coordination with the Defense Department, last week announced a new initiative to enhance coordination and intelligence-sharing among international partners to support maritime security in the strait, combining diplomatic efforts with military planning.

CENTCOM said U.S. support for the mission includes guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 air and maritime aircraft, multi-domain unmanned systems and around 15,000 troops.

However, an Iranian lawmaker warned that any U.S. involvement in the waterway would be considered a violation of the ceasefire, underscoring rising tensions despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The developments come amid a broader standoff between Washington and Tehran following weeks of heightened tensions and exchanges over maritime security and regional influence. Previous incidents in the Gulf have included tanker seizures, drone activity and military warnings, raising fears of disruption to global energy supplies.

Diplomatic channels have remained active, with regional actors attempting to prevent escalation, but both sides have continued to signal readiness to defend their interests, keeping energy markets on edge.

Iran had earlier proposed a three-stage plan aimed at reducing tensions and ending the confrontation, according to regional media reports. The proposal reportedly included an initial phase of de-escalation measures, followed by reciprocal confidence-building steps and a final stage focused on broader political and security arrangements.

The plan was said to involve gradual easing of military pressure, guarantees for maritime security and a framework for longer-term stability in the Gulf. However, the proposal was rejected by Trump, who described it as unacceptable and insufficient to address U.S. concerns over Iran’s actions.

The rejection highlights the gap between the two sides, with Washington seeking stronger guarantees and Tehran pushing for phased de-escalation, leaving the prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough uncertain as military activity continues in the region.

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