U.S. warns Iran over unsafe naval actions

The U.S. military has warned it will "not tolerate unsafe" actions by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as Tehran announced it will conduct live-fire naval exercises next week in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

In a statement on Friday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it expects the IRGC to carry out the drills in a safe and professional manner and to avoid actions that could endanger international maritime traffic.

"CENTCOM will ensure the safety of U.S. personnel, ships, and aircraft operating in the Middle East," the command said.

CENTCOM stressed that the United States will not tolerate what it described as unsafe IRGC behaviour, including overflights of U.S. military vessels engaged in flight operations, low-altitude or armed overflights of U.S. military assets when intentions are unclear, high-speed boat approaches on collision courses with U.S. ships, or weapons being trained at U.S. forces.

The warning follows Iran’s announcement that the IRGC will hold live-fire naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman through which a significant share of global oil and gas shipments pass.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated in recent weeks, with sharp rhetoric from both sides and increased military signalling in the region.

Donald Trump has recently said that a "massive armada" of American ships was moving toward Iran and warned that he would send even larger forces if necessary, while urging Tehran to "come to the table" for negotiations.

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U.S. officials say the military build-up is intended to deter any threats to U.S. forces and allies, as well as to protect freedom of navigation in international waters.

Iran has repeatedly said its military activities in the region are defensive and has accused Washington of destabilising the Middle East through its military presence.

The Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint in U.S.-Iran tensions, with past incidents involving tanker seizures, drone shootdowns and close encounters between naval vessels.

CENTCOM said it will continue to monitor Iranian activities closely and will take action if U.S. forces or international shipping are placed at risk.

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