US cautions Iran over safety during Strait of Hormuz exercises

Ahead of Iran’s planned military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on February 1–2, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement calling on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to carry out the drills “safely and professionally,” while avoiding any unnecessary threats to international maritime navigation.

The message was published by CENTCOM on the social media platform X, Caliber.Az reports.

https://t.co/bBiQMS1qvD

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 30, 2026

“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) urges the IRGC to conduct the announced naval exercise in a manner that is safe, professional and avoids unnecessary risk to freedom of navigation for international maritime traffic,” the statement said.

CENTCOM stressed that the Strait of Hormuz is an international sea passage and a vital global trade route that supports regional economic prosperity. It noted that on any given day, approximately 100 merchant vessels transit the narrow waterway.

The command also acknowledged Iran’s right to operate professionally in international waters and airspace, while warning that unsafe conduct near US forces, regional partners, or commercial shipping could increase the risk of collisions, escalation, and regional instability.

“Any unsafe and unprofessional behavior near U.S. forces, regional partners or commercial vessels increases risks of collision, escalation, and destabilization,” the statement read.

CENTCOM emphasized its commitment to protecting US personnel, ships, and aircraft operating in the Middle East, adding that it would not tolerate dangerous actions by the IRGC.

“We will not tolerate unsafe IRGC actions including overflight of U.S. military vessels engaged in flight operations, low-altitude or armed overflight of U.S. military assets when intentions are unclear, high-speed boat approaches on a collision course with U.S. military vessels, or weapons trained at U.S. forces,” the command said.

The statement concluded by underlining the professionalism of the US military and urging the IRGC to adhere to the same international standards.

“The U.S. military has the most highly trained and lethal force in the world and will continue to operate with the highest levels of professionalism and adhere to international norms. Iran’s IRGC must do the same,” it added.

By Tamilla Hasanova