Tehran: Iran has strongly responded to US President Donald Trump’s warnings over the escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, as a fragile ceasefire between Tehran and Washington continues to weaken.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the United States and the United Arab Emirates against being drawn into a “quagmire,” stating that recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz prove there is “no military solution to a political crisis.”
He also dismissed Trump’s “Project Freedom” naval initiative to escort commercial ships through the waterway, calling it “Project Deadlock.”
Araghchi said on X that while indirect talks progress with Pakistan’s mediation, the US and UAE should avoid escalation and interference. He reiterated Iran’s position that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward amid rising tensions in the region.
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 U.S. should be wary of being dragged back into quagmire by ill-wishers. So should the UAE.
Project Freedom is Project Deadlock.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 4, 2026
His remarks came after Trump warned that Iran would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if it attacks US vessels escorting ships through the strategic strait. Trump also claimed Iranian forces had targeted commercial vessels under the US-led operation and said American forces had already destroyed several Iranian boats.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key flashpoint as military activity and threats continue despite ongoing ceasefire efforts.
