US Command Calls on IRGC to avoid escalation and not to endanger International Maritime Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday called on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to avoid escalatory behavior in the Persian Gulf, following Tehran’s announcement of its intention to conduct two-day live-fire military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, starting Sunday.
In a statement published on its account on X, said that Iran announced “yesterday that the Revolutionary Guards will conduct naval maneuvers with live ammunition for two days in the Strait of Hormuz, which are scheduled to begin on Sunday”.
“We urge the IRGC to carry out the announced naval exercises in a safe and professional manner, and to avoid endangering the freedom of international maritime navigation,” it added.
The Strait of Hormuz is an international sea corridor and a vital trade corridor that supports regional economic prosperity, with about 100 commercial ships from around the world passing through it daily.
CENTCOM acknowledged Iran’s right to operate professionally in international airspace and waters, but warned that any unsafe or unprofessional behavior near US forces, regional partners, or commercial vessels increases the risk of collision, escalation, and destabilization.
US Central Command stressed that it will ensure the safety of its personnel, ships and aircraft operating in the Middle East, stressing that it won’t tolerate any unsafe behavior by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
These actions include Iranian aircraft flying over US military vessels during flight operations, low-flying or armed overflights over US military assets when intentions are unclear, approaching speedboats on a collision course with US military vessels, or directing weapons at US forces.
In the same context, the Iranian Noor News website, which is close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reported that joint military exercises between Iran, Russia and China will begin on Sunday near the Strait of Hormuz.
These drills come in light of escalating tensions in the region, against the backdrop of an unprecedented US military buildup in the Middle East, in preparation for a possible strike against Iran if it doesn’t respond to Washington’s demands related to its nuclear and missile programs.
US President Donald Trump renewed his threats to Iran, declaring that a huge fleet was advancing towards it and warning that it would face a much worse attack than it suffered last year if it didn’t cooperate in negotiations on its nuclear issue.
Its noteworthy that on June 13, 2025, Israel, with the support of the United States, launched a 12-day attack on Iran, targeting military and nuclear sites and civilian facilities, and assassinating leaders and scientists, while Iran responded by targeting Israeli military and intelligence headquarters with missiles and drones.
