WEB DESK: Iran has released a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) alerting to live-fire military drills near the Strait of Hormuz, shortly after US military forces arrived in the Middle East, signaling an escalation in regional tensions.
The advisory, issued on Tuesday, announced that Iranian forces will conduct live-fire exercises from January 27th to January 29th within a five-nautical-mile radius around the strait. During this period, the designated airspace—from ground level up to 25,000 feet—will be restricted and deemed hazardous.
As a critical chokepoint for global commerce, the Strait of Hormuz facilitates the daily transport of millions of barrels of crude oil. Any disruption to this vital passage often sparks widespread concern over global energy markets and intensifies geopolitical anxieties.
This notification coincides with increased US military maneuvers in the area, as US Air Forces Central (AFCENT) recently initiated a multi-day readiness exercise across its operational sphere. The drills aim to showcase heightened capabilities for rapid deployment and operational sustainability.
US officials have indicated that all responses remain under consideration regarding Tehran, including military action, as both the United States and Israel work to thwart Iran’s influence in the region. In turn, Iranian officials have cautioned that any aggression would provoke a “swift and comprehensive” counter-response.
The NOTAM is expected to impact civilian and military air traffic in the vicinity during the exercises. Such advisories are customarily issued to notify pilots and airlines of temporary airspace restrictions and safety risks linked to live-fire drills.
Meanwhile, US military assets, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers, have entered the Middle East under the jurisdiction of US Central Command, as confirmed by officials familiar with the development.
