The United States warned Iran on Saturday against conducting live-fire military exercises near U.S. forces in the region, as diplomatic efforts continued to ease escalating tensions between the two countries.
Iran announced Friday that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would carry out a two-day live-fire naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes.
The announcement came as U.S. Navy vessels arrived in the region following President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy what he described as a “massive armada.” Earlier this week, Trump said U.S. forces could act against Iran “with speed and violence, if necessary.”
In a statement Friday, U.S. Central Command said it would not tolerate unsafe actions by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, including low-altitude or armed overflights of U.S. military assets, high-speed naval maneuvers on collision courses, or weapons being trained on American forces.
“U.S. forces acknowledge Iran’s right to operate professionally in international airspace and waters,” the statement said, adding that “any unsafe and unprofessional behavior near U.S. forces, regional partners, or commercial vessels increases the risk of collision, escalation, and destabilization.”
Strains between Washington and Tehran have intensified in recent months following Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests, which left thousands dead. Trump has openly called for regime change while also pressing Iran to reach an agreement addressing concerns over its nuclear program.
The New York Times reported Friday that Trump had been briefed on potential military options against Iran, including possible U.S. raids on targets inside the country, citing U.S. officials. NBC News said it could not independently verify the report.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Delbert D. Black made a port visit Friday to the Israeli city of Eilat. The ship is one of six U.S. destroyers currently operating in the Middle East, alongside an aircraft carrier and three additional combat vessels. Israeli media said the visit was pre-planned and part of ongoing military cooperation between the United States and Israel.
On the diplomatic front, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that Tehran remains open to renewed negotiations, provided they are “fair and equitable” and do not involve Iran’s defense capabilities.
Egypt said Saturday that its foreign minister, Badr Abdel-Aty, held calls with counterparts in Iran, Turkey and Oman, as well as with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Qatar’s prime minister, aimed at sustaining “serious efforts” to de-escalate tensions and pursue diplomatic solutions.
