ANKARA: Iran has issued a formal aviation warning restricting civilian airspace near the Strait of Hormuz as its military prepares to conduct live-fire exercises in the strategically vital waterway, a key transit route for global energy supplies, amid heightened regional tensions involving the United States and its allies.
According to the NOTAM, the Iranian military will conduct live-fire activities as part of scheduled exercises near the narrow waterway, a key global energy transit route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments pass. The drills are set to take place over three days, from January 27 to January 29.
According to Anadolu Agency, the NOTAM specifies that the military activity will occur within a circular area with a radius of five nautical miles.
During the exercises, the designated airspace — extending from ground level up to an altitude of 25,000 feet — will be restricted and considered hazardous for civilian aircraft for the duration of the drills.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, with growing military activity on both sides of the Gulf.
Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that the drills are defensive in nature but have also issued strong warnings regarding any external military action.
Earlier, US Air Forces Central (AFCENT) announced that it would conduct a multi-day readiness exercise across the US Central Command area of responsibility. The exercise is aimed at demonstrating the US military’s ability to rapidly deploy, disperse and sustain airpower in the region amid rising tensions with Iran.
Washington has reiterated that all options remain on the table in its approach toward Tehran, including military action, as the US and Israel continue to apply pressure on Iran’s leadership and governing system.
In response, Iranian officials have cautioned that any attack on the country would be met with a decisive reaction. Tehran has warned that a US strike would trigger a “swift and comprehensive” response, underscoring the risk of a broader regional escalation.
The Strait of Hormuz, which lies between Iran and several Gulf states, remains a focal point of strategic concern. Military activity in and around the strait is closely monitored by global markets and international powers due to its importance to global energy security.
Iran’s latest airspace notice highlights the increasingly tense security environment in the region, even as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes to prevent further confrontation.
