The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has delivered a formal caution to Iran regarding its upcoming military exercises in the geopolitically sensitive Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is scheduled to commence two days of live-fire naval drills starting February 1st, prompting concerns from American military leadership about potential regional destabilization.
In an official statement released Saturday, CENTCOM emphasized that while the United States acknowledges Iran’s right to conduct operations in international waters, any “unsafe or unprofessional behavior” during these maneuvers could severely compromise maritime security. The command specifically outlined several prohibited actions including armed overflights of U.S. military vessels, high-speed boat approaches on collision courses, and training weapons on American forces.
The strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz cannot be overstated—this narrow passage serves as one of the world’s most critical maritime trade corridors, with approximately 100 commercial vessels transiting daily. Any disruption to navigation through this channel could have immediate consequences for global energy markets and international trade flows.
CENTCOM reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional military conduct while vowing to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel and assets deployed throughout the Middle East. The command urged Iranian forces to exercise similar restraint and adherence to established international norms during their scheduled exercises.