Amid escalating U.S. military presence in the Middle East, Iran has begun a three-day live-fire military drill, partially closing the airspace over the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. The exercises, which started on Tuesday, are set to continue until Thursday.
According to a special aviation notice (NOTAM) issued by Iranian authorities, all civilian and military flights are prohibited within a five-nautical-mile radius up to 25,000 feet above ground level in the designated area. Tehran has framed the drills as a demonstration of its military capabilities and deterrence in response to growing U.S. pressure in the Persian Gulf. Reports were first highlighted by Sama TV.
Given the strait’s crucial role in global energy supply, the drills have triggered widespread international concern. Millions of barrels of crude oil transit the Strait of Hormuz daily, and analysts warn that any military activity there could cause significant volatility in global oil markets.
The exercises coincide with the presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and several guided-missile destroyers in the region. U.S. President Donald Trump recently indicated the deployment of another naval strike group toward Iran, describing it as a “strong and impressive naval force” and expressing hope that Tehran would ultimately engage in negotiations.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has begun bolstering air assets and deploying advanced missile defense systems in the Middle East. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued stern warnings, stating that any attack on Iran using the airspace or territory of a neighboring country will be considered a direct act of hostility, prompting immediate retaliation.
Iranian military and political leaders have emphasized that any aggression, large or small, will be treated as a full-scale war and will be met with the harshest response. Amid rising tensions, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have assured Tehran that their territories and airspace will not be used for any operations against Iran.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also closely monitoring the situation. He warned that any attack by Iran on Israeli territory would be met with unprecedented military force, and stressed that Israel is prepared to act independently to safeguard its security without awaiting final decisions from the Trump administration.
With mutual hardline stances, ongoing military drills, and reciprocal warnings, the Middle East is now navigating a period of heightened volatility. Experts warn that even a minor miscalculation could ignite major regional conflict, with far-reaching implications for global politics and the economy.
Source: Sama TV.