CENTCOM emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is an international sea passage and a vital trade corridor supporting regional economic prosperity, with roughly 100 merchant vessels transiting the narrow waterway each day. The command stated that while U.S. forces acknowledge Iran’s right to operate professionally in international airspace and waters, “any unsafe and unprofessional behavior near U.S. forces, regional partners or commercial vessels increases risks of collision, escalation, and destabilization.”
The U.S. military said it will ensure the safety of its personnel, ships, and aircraft operating in the Middle East and “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, highspeed boat approaches on a collision course with U.S. military vessels, or weapons trained at U.S. forces.” CENTCOM added that “the U.S. military has the most highly trained and lethal force in the world and will continue to operate with the highest levels of professionalism and adhere to international norms,” stressing that Iran’s IRGC “must do the same.”
Source: U.S. Central Command.
