U.S. Response to Iran’s Two-Day IRGC Naval Drill in the Strait of Hormuz

According to Khabaronline, CENTCOM said Iran had formally notified maritime authorities that the IRGC plans to begin a live-fire naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz starting Sunday. The U.S. military command stressed that it expects the drill to be carried out in a way that avoids unnecessary risks to international maritime traffic.

In its statement, CENTCOM described the Strait of Hormuz as an international waterway and one of the world’s most critical commercial corridors, noting that approximately 100 commercial vessels transit the strait each day, making it vital to regional and global economic stability.

Earlier, Jon Gambrell, the Associated Press’s Iran news director, reported that Iran had warned ships operating in the area about the upcoming drill. In a post on the social media platform X, Gambrell said Iran had issued a notice on Thursday via very high frequency (VHF) marine radio, informing mariners that a live-fire naval exercise would take place on Sunday and Monday in the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM further stated that while the United States “recognizes Iran’s right to conduct professional activities in international airspace and waters,” it cautioned that any unsafe or unprofessional behavior near U.S. forces, regional partners, or commercial vessels could increase the risk of collision, escalation, and instability.

The statement added that CENTCOM will ensure the safety of U.S. personnel, ships, and aircraft operating in the Middle East, and warned against actions such as close approaches by fast boats, low-altitude flights, or maneuvers whose intent is unclear.

Concluding its statement, the U.S. military said it continues to operate with the highest levels of professionalism and adherence to international norms, and expects the IRGC to uphold similar standards during the announced exercise.