Iran has restricted airspace over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and announced live-fire military drills from January 27 to 29, coinciding with the arrival of US naval assets in the region.

The move reflects rising tensions between Washington and Tehran amid broader security concerns in the Middle East.

Iranian authorities issued a Notice to Airmen (Notam) warning of live-fire military activity near the Strait of Hormuz. The drills will take place within a five-nautical-mile radius, with airspace restricted from ground level up to 25,000 feet.

The exercise is scheduled to last three days, from January 27 through 29, and poses risks to both civil and military flights in the area. Aviation warnings like these are standard practice ahead of live-fire drills to ensure safety.

Strategic importance of strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for global oil transport, with millions of barrels of crude passing through daily. Any disruption can ripple through energy markets and heighten geopolitical instability.

The airspace closure comes as US forces increase their presence in the region. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, along with several guided-missile destroyers, has deployed to the Middle East under US Central Command.

US military buildup and Trump comments

Speaking at an Iowa event, US President Donald Trump referenced the naval deployment, saying:
"There is another beautiful armada floating beautifully towards Iran right now. I hope they make a deal."

The Pentagon is also moving fighter jets and air-defense systems to the region. Officials have emphasized that all options remain on the table to counter Tehran’s influence, including potential military action.

Iranian officials have issued stern warnings in response to the US presence. The Revolutionary Guards’ deputy for naval forces, Mohammad Akbarzadeh, stated that any hostile action originating from neighboring countries would be treated as an act of hostility against Iran.

A senior Iranian official said Tehran views any attack, whether limited or full-scale, as an “all-out war” and pledged the hardest possible response. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also criticized US threats, warning that they would only destabilize the region.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have assured Iran that their territories and airspace will not be used for hostile military operations against the country.

Israeli perspective

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the rising tensions, emphasizing that Israel would respond forcefully to any attack by Iran. He stated:
"Trump will decide what he decides; the State of Israel will decide what it decides. But if Iran attacks Israel, we will respond with a force that Iran has never seen."