On November 11, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement warning about the possibility of attacks on Iranian civilian ports situated around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Citing military operations that the Iranian regime is reportedly conducting from these ports, CENTCOM urged civilians, especially port workers, administrative personnel, and crew members of commercial vessels, to stay away from Iranian naval ships and military equipment. The statement emphasized that civilian harbors being used for military purposes would lose their protected status under international law, signaling an increased likelihood of airstrikes on these locations.

The warnings from the US military indicate a significant escalation in tensions, suggesting that not only established military facilities but also Iranian civilian ports involved in military operations could become targets for future attacks. While asserting that they cannot guarantee civilian safety near these facilities, CENTCOM committed to taking all possible precautions to minimize civilian casualties during any potential strikes. This public announcement marks a serious shift in the US approach, indicating preparedness to extend military action to civilian infrastructure if manipulated for military gains.

In response, Iran quickly threatened retaliation, with statements from Iranian military officials warning that if their ports are threatened, all regional ports and docks would be considered legitimate targets. Furthermore, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy stated that vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without authorization could face severe consequences. This escalatory rhetoric underscores the rising stakes in the Hormuz region, where critical maritime traffic intersects with geopolitical tensions.