Iran warns that any US intervention in Strait of Hormuz would violate ceasefire after Trump offers 'humanitarian gesture'

By JOE HUTCHISON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 03:16, 4 May 2026 | Updated: 03:20, 4 May 2026 A top Iranian lawmaker has warned that any US intervention in the Strait of Hormuz would violate the fragile ceasefire agreement after Trump offered a 'humanitarian gesture' to escort foreign ships out of the strait. Ebrahim Azizi posted to X saying that the gulf would not 'be managed by Trump's delusional posts' after the president declared he would shepherd innocent bystanders caught up in the blockage on the Iranian waterway.  The head of the national security commission of the Iranian parliament posted: 'Any American interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire.  'The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf would not be managed by Trump's delusional posts! No one would believe Blame Game scenarios!' The president declared that the initiative, which will begin on Monday morning, is called 'Project Freedom' and aims to help the 'neutral and innocent bystanders'. Trump added: 'For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business.  'Again, these are Ships from areas of the World that are not in any way involved with that which is currently taking place in the Middle East.  'I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait. In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else.' Trump is seen here talking to reporters on Saturday Tankers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, Iran, Saturday, April 18, 2026 He continued: 'This process, Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning, Middle East time.  'I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all.  'The Ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong — They are victims of circumstance.' The announcement came after Iran sent a 14-point plan which called on the US to end the war within 30 days. The Middle Eastern nation's latest request aims for the conflict to be resolved, instead of extending the ceasefire, according to Iran's state-linked media. Trump added on Saturday that he was reviewing a new Iranian proposal to end the war, but also expressed doubt that it would lead to a deal. The proposal, a rebuttal to the US nine-point plan, also calls for the US to lift sanctions on Iran, ending the naval blockade, withdrawing forces from the region, and ceasing all hostilities, including Israel's operations in Lebanon, according to the semi-official Nour News agency, which has close ties to the country's security organizations. Your browser does not support iframes. Pakistan has hosted negotiations between Iran and the US in the past, and Trump rejected a previous Iranian proposal this week. However, conversations have continued, and the fragile three-week ceasefire appears to be holding. On Sunday, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with Oman's foreign minister Badr al Busaidi, who oversaw previous rounds of talks between the US and Iran before the latest round of fighting. Iran effectively closed the Strait by attacking and threatening ships after the US and Israel launched a war on February 28. Tehran later offered some ships safe passage via routes closer to its shore, charging fees at times. The US has responded with a naval blockade of Iranian ports since April 13, depriving Tehran of the oil revenue it needs to shore up its ailing economy. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.