Trump warned Iran before Hormuz operation — and Iran attacked anyway: report

A high-level Trump administration official warned Iran on Sunday of an impending U.S. operation to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, an effort to mitigate the risk of escalation, according to a report.

Despite the advance notice, Iranian forces launched attacks on commercial shipping and targets in the United Arab Emirates, and claimed to have forced a US warship to turn back — a claim CENTCOM denied, reported Axios, citing a U.S. official and a source with knowledge.

The operation, dubbed "Project Freedom," is aimed at establishing a protected corridor through the strategically critical waterway that has been largely closed since the outbreak of hostilities.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth defended the administration's approach Tuesday, stating the U.S. was "communicating both overtly and quietly to the Iranians" about the initiative, which he insisted was separate from the Operation Epic Fury military operation.

Pentagon officials characterized Iran's response as falling below the threshold of resuming major combat operations. Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine and Hegseth claimed the ceasefire remained intact, with Hegseth suggesting the Iranian attacks reflected internal disagreements between military commanders and diplomatic negotiators over appropriate responses.

However, the operation achieved minimal practical results. Only two U.S.-flagged vessels transited the strait on Monday, with none on Tuesday, despite Hegseth's assertions that "hundreds more" were preparing to transit, and most shipping companies apparently remain unconvinced about the corridor's safety.

The UAE reported a new Iranian missile and drone attack on Tuesday, and some U.S. and Israeli officials believe Trump could order a resumption of major combat operations later this week if diplomatic negotiations stall.

Iranian officials offered contrasting messaging. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed negotiations mediated by Pakistan "are making progress" and urged the Trump administration to avoid being "dragged back into quagmire by ill-wishers."

Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed Iran had established a "new equation" through Monday's retaliation.

Pentagon officials stated the military stands ready to rapidly resume full-scale operations if Trump orders it, underscoring the fragility of the current ceasefire despite diplomatic efforts.