Washington: The United States on Friday warned Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that it 'will not tolerate unsafe' actions in the Strait of Hormuz, after Tehran announced a two-day live-fire naval exercise there. The US military emphasized that it would not accept 'unsafe' maneuvers such as flights over US warships or the approach of Iranian speedboats on a collision course with US ships, as stated by Centcom, the regional command responsible for the Middle East.
According to Ghana News Agency, Centcom further remarked, 'Any unsafe and unprofessional behavior near U.S. forces, regional partners or commercial vessels increases risks of collision, escalation, and destabilization.' The command reiterated that the US military possesses the most highly trained and lethal force globally and will continue to operate with the utmost professionalism, adhering to international norms. They urged Iran's IRGC to adhere to the same standards.
The upcoming Iranian naval exercise, set to commence on Sunday with live ammunition, must not hinder freedom of navigation and international commercial shipping in the vital Strait of Hormuz, as demanded by the US military. This narrow 55-kilometer-wide waterway between Iran and Oman is a crucial shipping route for global oil exports.
The IRGC, regarded as the backbone of the Islamic Republic, reports directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The planned maneuver comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with US President Donald Trump recently threatening Tehran with military strikes, particularly concerning the suppression of recent protests in Iran. Trump has insisted that Iran must agree to a 'deal,' which should include the cessation of its nuclear program.
In response to the situation, the US has deployed the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and other military assets to the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Friday that his country is open to 'fair and just' negotiations but rejected Trump's central demands, particularly concerning defense strategies and missile systems. Araghchi affirmed that Iran would maintain and potentially expand its capabilities if necessary, warning that a military conflict could escalate beyond a bilateral confrontation. In June of the previous year, the US military conducted bombings on nuclear facilities in Iran, alongside Israeli attacks.