E-Paper
Sign In
US warns Iran against unsafe actions during naval drills in Strait of Hormuz from Feb 1
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical international waterway and a vital trade corridor, with around 100 merchant vessels transiting daily
- PUBLISHED: Sat 31 Jan 2026, 9:24 PM UPDATED: Sat 31 Jan 2026, 11:40 PM
The United States has warned Iran against unsafe actions as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) prepares to begin two-day live-fire naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz on February 1, saying such behaviour could threaten "freedom of navigation" and regional stability.
The warning was issued by the United States Central Command (Centcom), which called on the IRGC to conduct the exercises in a “safe and professional” manner. The IRGC announced on Saturday (January 30), that the drills would start on Sunday (February 1).
Recommended For You
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical international waterway and a vital trade corridor, with around 100 merchant vessels transiting daily.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
In its statement, Centcom emphasised that while the US recognises Iran’s right to operate in international airspace and waters, "any unsafe or unprofessional behaviour increases the risk of collisions, escalation, and destabilisation."
It added, "Centcom will ensure the safety of US personnel, ships, and aircraft operating in the Middle East. We will not tolerate unsafe IRGC actions including overflight of US military vessels engaged in flight operations, low-altitude or armed overflight of US military assets when intentions are unclear, highspeed boat approaches on a collision course with US military vessels, or weapons trained at US forces."
Centcom also noted that the US military would continue to operate with the highest levels of professionalism and adherence to international norms, and urged Iran’s IRGC to do the same.
