Washington (The COW News Digital) The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that it will not tolerate any unsafe actions by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The announcement comes as Iran plans a two-day naval exercise in the vital waterway starting Sunday.
CENTCOM emphasized that the IRGC should avoid provocative behavior during these exercises and conduct all operations in a safe and professional manner. “Iran must ensure that its naval exercises do not threaten freedom of navigation or disrupt international maritime traffic,” the statement said.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, with more than 100 commercial vessels passing through daily. CENTCOM highlighted that unprofessional maneuvers near U.S. forces, regional partners, and commercial shipping could increase the risk of accidental collisions or confrontations.
“Any unsafe behavior by the Revolutionary Guards will not be tolerated. U.S. personnel, ships, and aircraft in the region will remain fully protected,” the command said, underlining America’s commitment to safeguarding both military and civilian maritime activity.
Analysts note that tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated over the past several years, with both Iran and the U.S. conducting regular military drills and patrols in the region. The CENTCOM warning reflects heightened concerns over potential misunderstandings that could lead to conflict, given the heavy commercial and strategic traffic passing through the waterway.
The warning also serves as a reminder that international law requires military exercises in congested waterways to be conducted with transparency and precaution to avoid endangering civilian shipping. CENTCOM stressed that Iran’s actions must comply with professional maritime standards, ensuring the safety of both regional and international interests.
The announcement comes amid broader U.S.-Iran tensions, which include disputes over nuclear programs, regional influence, and military presence in the Persian Gulf. CENTCOM’s statement seeks to mitigate the risk of unintended incidents while asserting America’s readiness to respond to any unsafe Iranian activity.
Officials reiterated that the U.S. is committed to maintaining maritime security, protecting allied forces, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of commerce through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
