CENTCOM Urges Iran to Conduct Naval Drills Safely Amid Rising Tensions

The United States has urged Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to avoid any escalatory actions during its announced two-day live-fire naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement released on Friday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) called on the IRGC to conduct the drills in a safe and professional manner, while noting that Iran has the right to operate in international waters and airspace.

CENTCOM warned that unsafe or unprofessional behavior near US forces, regional allies, or commercial vessels could increase the risk of collisions, unintended escalation, and broader regional instability.

The command reiterated that it remains committed to protecting US personnel, ships, and aircraft operating across the Middle East. It stressed that it would not tolerate actions such as low-altitude or armed overflights of US military assets when intentions are unclear, close-range high-speed maneuvers by Iranian vessels, or the targeting of US forces with weapons.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital international maritime passage and a key global trade route, with approximately 100 commercial ships transiting the waterway each day, according to CENTCOM.