The U.S. military warned Iran it will not tolerate 'unsafe and unprofessional' behavior as the IRGC prepares two days of live-fire naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM listed specific actions it will not accept—including dangerous overflights, high-speed boat approaches and weapons pointed at U.S. assets—and vowed to protect U.S. personnel, ships and aircraft. The statement highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly 100 merchant vessels transit daily. Political leaders have also signaled heightened attention to the developing situation.
U.S. Military Warns Iran It Will Not Tolerate 'Unsafe' Actions Ahead of Strait of Hormuz Drills
An F/A-18E Super Hornet launches from the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln during routine flight operations in the Arabian Sea, in this image released by U.S. Central Command on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.(Fox News)
The U.S. military has issued a clear warning to Iran ahead of planned live-fire naval exercises by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the IRGC is scheduled to begin a two-day exercise starting Sunday and stressed that any 'unsafe and unprofessional' behavior near U.S. forces or commercial shipping would raise the risk of collision, escalation and broader regional instability.
CENTCOM Statement
'CENTCOM will ensure the safety of U.S. personnel, ships, and aircraft operating in the Middle East. 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.'
Actions Identified as Unacceptable
- Low-altitude or armed overflights of U.S. military assets when intentions are unclear.
- High-speed boat approaches on a collision course with U.S. vessels.
- Overflights of vessels engaged in flight operations.
- Pointing weapons at U.S. forces or allied vessels.
CENTCOM emphasized that U.S. forces respect Iran's right to operate professionally in international airspace and waters, but warned that irresponsible actions by the IRGC could increase the risk of dangerous incidents. The statement reiterated the U.S. commitment to protect its personnel, ships and aircraft across the region.
Regional Impact And Political Context
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical international waterway and a major artery for global energy and trade: CENTCOM noted that roughly 100 merchant vessels transit the narrow strait on a typical day. President Donald Trump has said a 'massive armada' led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is heading toward the region, and he warned Tehran that 'time is running out' on a potential deal. In related commentary, conservative commentator Pete Hegseth said authorities should be prepared to respond to evolving threats, reflecting heightened political attention on the situation.
CENTCOM's warning seeks to reduce the risk of miscalculation during the upcoming drills while underscoring the importance of following international norms in a strategically sensitive maritime corridor.
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