U.S. Issues Stark Warning to Iran Over Naval Drills, Threatens Action Against IRGC

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply after the United States issued a direct warning to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) over planned live‑fire naval exercises in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The drills, announced by Iran to begin on Sunday, have triggered a strong reaction from the U.S. military, amid reports that Washington may be considering military action against Tehran as early as this weekend.

In a statement, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) warned the IRGC to conduct its naval exercises in a “safe and professional manner” and avoid actions that could threaten freedom of navigation in international waters. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, with nearly 100 commercial vessels passing through daily, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas supplies.

“Unsafe Actions Will Not Be Tolerated”

CENTCOM said the United States respects Iran’s right to operate in international airspace and waters but made it clear that it will not tolerate “unsafe and unprofessional behavior” by the IRGC. The statement specifically cited past incidents, including Iranian aircraft flying dangerously close to U.S. naval vessels, armed fast boats approaching American ships at high speed, and Iranian forces pointing weapons at U.S. military assets.

“We remain fully committed to protecting U.S. personnel, ships, and aircraft deployed in the Middle East,” CENTCOM said, adding that any threat to maritime security would be met with an appropriate response.

Reports of Possible U.S. Strike

The warning comes amid reports from Drop Site News that the Trump administration may authorize military action against Iran as early as Sunday. According to sources cited in the report, U.S. military officials have briefed at least one key regional ally about the possibility of imminent strikes if Washington decides to proceed.

A former senior U.S. intelligence official told the outlet that American military planners are preparing options to target Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile infrastructure, and other strategic military installations. The objective, the source said, would not be limited to Iran’s weapons programs but would also aim to weaken the leadership and operational capacity of the IRGC.

Regime Pressure Strategy

According to the report, the Trump administration believes that a decisive military blow against Iran’s security apparatus could trigger widespread public protests, potentially destabilizing the Iranian government. The former official claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured President Trump that Israel could assist in shaping a post‑strike political transition in Iran—an assertion that has not been officially confirmed.

Region on Edge

With Iran proceeding with naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. signaling zero tolerance for IRGC provocations, the region remains on high alert. Analysts warn that even a minor incident during the exercises could rapidly spiral into a wider military confrontation, with serious consequences for global energy markets and regional stability.