US Warns Iran Over Planned Military Drills in Strait of Hormuz
The United States has issued a warning to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stating it will not tolerate any "unsafe" actions near American warships operating in the Strait of Hormuz, where Tehran plans a two-day live-fire naval exercise.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that while Iran had the right to operate in international airspace and waters, "any unsafe behavior" by the IRGC or other forces near US military assets risks escalation. This warning was issued as Iranian officials announced the planned military drill, which could involve live fire in the area where a fifth of the world's traded oil passes.
The CENTCOM statement highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 100 merchant vessels transit daily. It also echoed President Donald Trump's description of an "armada" in the region and reiterated threats to intervene if Iran poses a threat to its interests.
The Iranian military has stated that it is at a high level of readiness, while insisting it is open to negotiations with the US under President Trump. However, the warning from CENTCOM suggests that Washington sees Tehran's actions as a threat and will not hesitate to take action if necessary.
Analysts say that Iran is engaging in a public diplomacy effort to bolster its deterrence by talking about a massive Iranian response to a potential US attack. Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies described this strategy as "a knife and a handshake," with Tehran publicly threatening but still offering a hand to negotiate on its own terms.
The Trump administration is likely to take significant action, focusing on Iran's nuclear and missile sites to defend American interests without sparking a larger war that could have economic implications ahead of the midterm elections.
The United States has issued a warning to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stating it will not tolerate any "unsafe" actions near American warships operating in the Strait of Hormuz, where Tehran plans a two-day live-fire naval exercise.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that while Iran had the right to operate in international airspace and waters, "any unsafe behavior" by the IRGC or other forces near US military assets risks escalation. This warning was issued as Iranian officials announced the planned military drill, which could involve live fire in the area where a fifth of the world's traded oil passes.
The CENTCOM statement highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 100 merchant vessels transit daily. It also echoed President Donald Trump's description of an "armada" in the region and reiterated threats to intervene if Iran poses a threat to its interests.
The Iranian military has stated that it is at a high level of readiness, while insisting it is open to negotiations with the US under President Trump. However, the warning from CENTCOM suggests that Washington sees Tehran's actions as a threat and will not hesitate to take action if necessary.
Analysts say that Iran is engaging in a public diplomacy effort to bolster its deterrence by talking about a massive Iranian response to a potential US attack. Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies described this strategy as "a knife and a handshake," with Tehran publicly threatening but still offering a hand to negotiate on its own terms.
The Trump administration is likely to take significant action, focusing on Iran's nuclear and missile sites to defend American interests without sparking a larger war that could have economic implications ahead of the midterm elections.