Iran has issued a warning to ships via maritime channels, including VHF radio broadcasts from Iranian authorities, announcing plans for a live-fire naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday and Monday, February 1-2, 2026.
The alert, reported by Associated Press Gulf and Iran news director Jon Gambrell on X, advises commercial vessels of potential disruptions to navigation in the critical oil transit route, through which about 20% of global oil flows.
This development follows a separate Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued earlier for airspace restrictions and live-fire drills from January 27-29, 2026, but the new warning specifically targets maritime traffic for the upcoming weekend.
Iranian officials have not provided further details on the scope or purpose, but the timing aligns with escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and recent U.S. military deployments in the region.
No immediate disruptions to shipping have been reported, but maritime operators are advised to monitor updates.
