The United States military has issued a clear warning to Iran ahead of planned live-fire naval exercises next week. The drills are expected to take place in the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
US Central Command, known as CENTCOM, released the statement on Friday. It said it expects the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to act responsibly. The command stressed that unsafe actions will not be tolerated. Any move that threatens international shipping or US forces is a serious concern.
CENTCOM said the upcoming exercise must be carried out safely and professionally. The warning followed an announcement from Tehran about live-fire drills. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage. A large share of global oil shipments pass through it daily.
The US military urged Iranian forces to respect freedom of navigation. It warned against actions that could disrupt commercial traffic. According to CENTCOM, certain behaviors are unacceptable. These include low-altitude flyovers near US ships. High-speed boat approaches on collision paths are also a concern. Pointing weapons at US assets is another red line.
CENTCOM said it will protect US personnel at all times. This includes ships and aircraft across the Middle East. The command added that it will respond if safety is threatened.
The Strait of Hormuz is described as an international sea lane. It plays a major role in global trade and energy supplies. While Iran has the right to operate in international waters, CENTCOM said rules must be followed. International standards exist to reduce risks and prevent accidents.
The statement warned that unsafe actions could lead to escalation. Even small incidents could cause wider instability in the region. The US military said it will continue operating with professionalism. It also called on Iranian forces to show the same level of discipline.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have increased in recent weeks. Protests broke out in Iran in late December. They were linked to economic pressure and currency decline. The unrest lasted nearly two weeks in several cities.
US President Donald Trump has also raised pressure. He said American naval forces are moving closer to the region. At the same time, he urged Tehran to return to talks. He warned of consequences if diplomacy fails.
Iranian officials responded with strong language. They said any attack would trigger a swift response. However, Tehran also said talks remain possible. Officials stressed negotiations must be fair and free of threats.
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With the drills approaching, global attention remains focused on the Strait. Observers are watching closely for signs of calm or escalation.
