Axios learned about the Americans' warning to Iran before the start of Operation Freedom

The United States warned Iran about conducting Operation Freedom to escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to respond in case of interference. This was reported on May 5 by the Axios portal, citing a senior American official.

"A senior official in the administration of [US President Donald] Trump informed Iran about the upcoming US operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran not to interfere," the publication says.

It clarifies that the White House wanted to reduce the risk of potential escalation. But despite the warning, the Iranians launched a series of attacks on ships of the US Navy, commercial vessels and the territory of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

How to sail: US actions in the Strait of Hormuz undermine the peace process

By launching Operation Project Freedom, the US administration is trying to raise the stakes

On May 3, Trump announced that the United States would help withdraw ships blocked due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also pointed out that the relocation of ships is intended only to free people, companies and countries that have become victims of circumstances. According to him, this gesture will be an important expression of goodwill.

On May 4, the Central Command of the US Armed Forces (CENTCOM) announced that the United States would begin supporting the Freedom Project in order to restore freedom of navigation for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz with the participation of 15,000 military personnel.

On the same day, the head of the White House, Donald Trump, said that the Iranians would be "wiped off the face of the earth" if they attacked American ships in the Strait of Hormuz.