Iran warns U.S. interference in Strait of Hormuz violate ceasefire

A top Iranian parliament official said Monday that any U.S. interference in Iranian new maritime management rules for the Strait of Hormuz would be seen as a ceasefire violation.

Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament's national security and foreign policy committee, made the remarks in a social media post.

That warning came alongside other sharp condemnations from Tehran.

According to Iranian media reports, Ali Akbar Velayati, adviser to Iran's supreme leader, said on Sunday that the United States, ignoring the fact that global food and fertilizer supply chains pass through the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian control, has threatened Iran with famine, which reflects the U.S. side's lack of understanding of the global economic and political situation.

Also on Sunday, according to Iran's Press TV, Mohsen Rezaee, a military adviser to Iran's supreme leader, said that Iran has prepared a grave for U.S. forces and aircraft carriers. He called the United States the only pirate state that possesses aircraft carriers and said that if tensions escalate, those carriers will face destruction. He also said that Iran has the capability to counter pirates and sink warships.

As Iranian officials issued those warnings, the U.S. began its operation.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday in a social media post that the United States will begin guiding ships out of the Strait of Hormuz on Monday morning, Middle East time.

Calling the action "Project Freedom," Trump said it is "a humanitarian gesture."

Trump also said in his post that U.S. representatives are in very positive discussions with Iran that could bring very positive results. Iran had not officially responded.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces would start supporting the "Project Freedom" on Monday to restore commercial shipping through the strait.

Brad Cooper, commander of the CENTCOM, said the support is critical to regional security and the global economy while the United States maintains a maritime blockade.

According to Iranian sources on Sunday, oil-shipping monitor TankerTrackers.com reported that 25 crude oil tankers left Iran in April. Seven returned due to the U.S. blockade in the Arabian Sea, two were seized by the United States in the Indian Ocean, and one sailed to the Far East. Most of the remaining 15 arrived at their destinations in the first half of April.

The United States and Israel launched large-scale military operations against Iran in late February, and Iran launched counterattacks. After U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended without results in April, the United States began imposing a maritime blockade on Iran. The aircraft carriers, USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS George H.W. Bush strike groups are operating in the Arabian Sea to enforce the maritime blockade on Iranian ports.

Iran warns U.S. interference in Strait of Hormuz violate ceasefire

Chengdu, the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, is experiencing a significant influx of domestic and international tourists during the five-day May Day holiday, which runs from May 1 to May 5.

To enhance visitors' experiences, local authorities have organized a series of activities, including traditional Chinese cultural performances, intangible cultural heritage markets, and virtual reality (VR) experiences. These initiatives allow tourists to appreciate the city’s historical richness and urban vitality, as well as to sample local delicacies in popular spots like the Wenshu Monastery Neighborhood.

"I’ve always wanted to visit Wenshu Monastery Neighborhood in Chengdu. Here, I watched the Sichuan opera face-changing performance and tried local snacks like San Da Pao (sweet glutinous rice balls) and Liang Fen (jelly noodles)," said Wu Ping, a domestic tourist.

Throughout the holiday, traditional Chinese cultural performances and Hanfu parade have also taken place in the neighborhood, attracting large crowds of visitors.

"There are about 30 of us today, all Hanfu enthusiasts. We can watch dance performances and join the parade," said Zhou Bin, a tourist dressed in traditional Chinese clothing.

For some international visitors, such as Assely from Kazakhstan, Chengdu's history is a major draw.

"It is more historical interest. Because I know it is going very back. It's very good interesting history in China," she said.

The century-old Citang Street is also bustling with activities during the holiday, featuring a VR experience that integrates giant panda culture with traditional Chinese Tai Chi, an ancient internal martial art. This program has become a highlight of the festivities.

"We're coming here to see China. This is our first time here. We came to Chengdu like an hour ago. We can see more technology, more Western tourists," said Nikolas Barwicki, a tourist from Poland.

Chengdu sees surge of tourists during May Day holiday