Iran announces live‑fire military drills, closes airspace near Strait of Hormuz
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Iran issues airspace closure near Strait of Hormuz for live-fire drills from Jan. 27–29, restricting airspace up to 25,000 feet.
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US Central Command announces multi-day readiness exercise as tensions rise; both Washington and Tehran warn of possible military escalation.
Iran has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of live‑fire military activity in the airspace along the Strait of Hormuz, marking an escalation in regional tensions.
Read more: US open to talks as military presence rises near Iran
The aviation notice says Iranian forces will conduct live‑fire drills from January 27 to 29 within a five‑nautical‑mile radius around the strategic waterway, and the airspace in that area, from ground level up to 25,000 feet, will be restricted and hazardous for the duration of the exercises.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supplies transit. Temporary restrictions there can affect both civil and military aviation and draw global attention because of the waterway’s importance to energy markets and geopolitical stability.
The NOTAM comes as US Air Forces Central (AFCENT) has announced a multi‑day readiness exercise across the US Central Command area of responsibility, intended to demonstrate rapid deployment and sustainment capabilities amid heightened tensions with Iran.
Officials in Washington have reiterated that all options, including military action, remain on the table in dealing with Tehran, as diplomatic and military postures harden. Iranian authorities have responded with warnings that any attack would draw a “swift and comprehensive” response.
The airspace warning affects aviation through the area for the duration of the drills and reflects a broader climate of uncertainty as both sides increase military activity in the region.
“Armada” sailing towards Iran
US President Donald Trump says that "another beautiful armada” is sailing towards Iran “right now”, as tensions rise over possible US action against Iran for what it says is the government’s brutal crackdown against the nationwide protests.
“There is another beautiful armada floating beautifully toward Iran right now, so we will see,” Trump said, without specifying.
“I hope they make a deal. I hope they make a deal,” he added.
“They should have made a deal the first time. They'd have a country".
