Iran has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing live-fire military exercises in airspace near the Strait of Hormuz, signalling heightened regional tensions.
The aviation notice, released on Tuesday, states that Iranian forces will conduct live-fire drills from January 27 to January 29 within a five-nautical-mile radius of the strait.
Authorities warned pilots that airspace from ground level up to 25,000 feet will remain restricted and hazardous throughout the exercise period.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Millions of barrels of crude oil pass through it daily, making any military activity in the area a source of global concern.
Market analysts say even limited disruptions near the strait often trigger volatility in international energy markets.
US Military Activity Intensifies
The Iranian warning followed increased American military movement in the region. US Air Forces Central announced a multi-day readiness exercise across its area of responsibility to demonstrate rapid deployment and sustainment capabilities.
Meanwhile, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers entered the Middle East, which falls under US Central Command.
The Javan newspaper reported Iran is “ready for a major response” if hit by the US and would seize the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the key transit hub for energy supplies.
🔴 LIVE updates: https://t.co/lcL63iHFh6 pic.twitter.com/hmw5EZ5jW1
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 27, 2026US President Donald Trump said earlier that an “armada” was moving toward Iran but added that he hoped force would not become necessary.
The deployment began earlier this month after tensions escalated following Iran’s crackdown on protests. Trump said US officials reported a decline in killings and no current plans for prisoner executions.
Israel and Iran Exchange Warnings
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would make its own decisions, warning that any Iranian attack would meet an unprecedented response.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticised US threats during a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying they would only destabilise the region.
A senior commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards cautioned neighbouring states against allowing their airspace or territory to be used in any attack on Iran.
Read: US Deploys Aircraft Carrier to Middle East Amid Iran Tensions
Iranian officials said Tehran would treat any strike, regardless of scale, as an all-out war and would respond with maximum force.
Regional Assurances and US Bases
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates assured Iran that they would not allow their airspace or waters to support hostile actions.
The US continues to operate major regional facilities, including Al Dhafra Air Base, a key hub for US Air Force operations and reconnaissance missions.
The NOTAM will affect both civilian and military flights during the exercise window. Aviation authorities routinely issue such warnings ahead of live-fire drills to reduce risk and manage airspace safety.
As military movements intensify, diplomats and analysts warn that miscalculation near the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching consequences.
