US Central Command has advised Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to refrain from escalating tensions at sea as Iran plans a two-day live-fire naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz starting Sunday. The command emphasized the strait’s significance as an international trade route with about 100 merchant ships passing through daily and urged the IRGC to conduct the exercise safely and professionally to prevent risks to navigation freedom.
CENTCOM warned against any unsafe or unprofessional conduct near US forces, regional allies, or commercial ships, citing the potential for accidents, escalation, and instability. President Donald Trump mentioned the deployment of a larger naval presence towards Iran, aiming to maintain pressure while diplomatic discussions proceed, without specifying a deadline for Iran to respond.
Trump highlighted the intention to negotiate but also acknowledged readiness for other scenarios if diplomacy fails. He confirmed direct communication with Iran, expressing a preference for a peaceful resolution but not ruling out the possibility of escalation if an agreement is not reached. CENTCOM reiterated its commitment to safeguarding US personnel, vessels, and aircraft in the Middle East with professionalism and adherence to international standards.
Tensions between the US and Iran have persisted due to issues like sanctions, regional security concerns, and maritime activities in the Gulf, often leading to naval movements as signals during heightened periods of tension.
