Tehran-IRAF- CENTCOM released a statement on Saturday, January 31, expressing concern over the IRGC’s naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz and urging Iran to refrain from “tension-raising behaviors at sea”.
The CENTCOM statement reads: “The US Central Command calls on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to conduct the announced naval exercises in a safe, professional manner, avoiding unnecessary risks to freedom of navigation.” The command described the Strait of Hormuz as a critical and international waterway, with around 100 commercial vessels passing through it daily.
CENTCOM emphasized that any unsafe and unprofessional behavior near US forces, regional partners, or commercial vessels would increase the risk of collision and instability, which it would not tolerate. The command claimed that US forces are the most “professional” and “deadliest” in the world and adhere to international norms.
Earlier, the AP’s Iran news director alleged that Iran had informed ships that it would conduct live ammunition exercises in the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days.
Escalating tensions and military buildup
This statement comes as tensions between Iran and the US have escalated with the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and nine other warships in waters near Iran. Analysts see this move as part of a psychological operation against Iran, showcasing the “seriousness of the military option”.
Recent developments have also seen the transfer of US bombers, refueling planes, F-35 fighter jets, and C-17A heavy transport planes to the region.
Joint Iran-China-Russia naval exercises
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that Iran will conduct joint naval exercises with China and Russia in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean in the coming days.
