Strait of Hormuz becomes centre of Iran's military drills amid US threats: Narrow passage, wide significance

On January 28, 2026, Iran announced it would conduct live-fire military activities in the airspace along the Strait of Hormuz. This notice was given through a formal alert called a Notice to Airmen, indicating that military drills would take place from January 27 to 29, 2026. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway located between Iran and Oman, near the United Arab Emirates. It is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, with about 20 percent of all global oil traded through it. These military activities are part of Iran’s plans to hold a two-day live-fire naval exercise. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the drills would start on January 31, 2026. The exercises are scheduled to involve naval forces from Iran’s paramilitary wing, aimed at showcasing military readiness. As the drills began, the United States issued warnings to Iran. The U.S. Central Command, which oversees naval operations in the region, urged Iran to conduct the exercises safely and professionally. The U.S. emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation for ships and goods moving through the Strait and warned Iran about any unsafe or unprofessional actions. Specifically, the U.S. warned Iran against behaviors such as unsafe overflights near U.S. vessels, low-altitude or armed overflights when intentions are unclear, high-speed boat approaches that could cause collisions, or training weapons on U.S. forces. These actions could escalate tensions and lead to dangerous encounters. During this period, the U.S. also noted the arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other naval ships in the region. This deployment reflects heightened military readiness and alertness amidst Iran’s drills. The presence of the U.S. Navy in the area underlines the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for international trade. The region has a history of confrontations between Iran and U.S. naval forces. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has previously engaged in incidents with U.S. ships in the Strait, contributing to ongoing regional tension. The Strait itself is a vital corridor for global energy supplies, especially for countries in Asia that heavily depend on imported oil and natural gas. The U.S. Navy's Central Command, based in Bahrain, closely monitors activities in the region. The command oversees the 5th Fleet, which is responsible for maritime security and operations in the area. U.S. officials have consistently warned Iran to avoid unsafe conduct near American and commercial vessels. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is vital for global economic stability. Any disruption or conflict in this busy waterway could significantly impact worldwide oil prices and supply chains. The international community continues to watch the developments closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution. These events highlight the ongoing tension and military readiness in the region. Iran’s announced military exercises and the U.S. warnings demonstrate the fragile balance of power in the Strait of Hormuz. The coming days are crucial for maintaining peace and security in this key maritime area.