Iran is conducting live gunfire exercises along its Persian Gulf coast and near its borders with Iraq and Azerbaijan amid intensifying nationwide protests and threats of possible US military intervention by President Donald Trump.
Over the past week, Iranian aviation authorities have issued at least 20 Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs, warning pilots to avoid designated danger zones in southern and northwestern Iran.
Defence analysts say the drills likely involve anti-aircraft guns intended to target enemy aircraft.
An analysis indicates that Iran has effectively created a belt of restricted airspace along its southern coastline facing Bahrain and Qatar, where the United States operates major military bases. Several of the danger zones are located near Qom, about 150 kilometres from Tehran, as well as close to oil and gas fields, airports, and ports.
The areas identified for the exercises include the Fars gas field, an airbase near Asaluyeh Persian Gulf International Airport, Lavan Island, which hosts major oil and gas facilities, and regions near Chabahar and other smaller ports.
Some drills are already underway, while others are scheduled for next week.
The exercises were announced after protests spread across dozens of Iranian cities over the sharp fall of the national currency and following President Trump’s public statements in support of demonstrators. Trump has warned of strong military action if Iranian authorities continue to kill protesters.
Military experts said the drills are aimed at deterring potential air operations by forcing attacking aircraft to fly at higher altitudes, increasing their visibility to radar. Civilian air traffic has not been affected, as commercial aircraft operate well above the restricted zones.
Human rights groups outside Iran claim more than 2,000 people have been killed since late December, though verification remains difficult due to a nationwide internet blackout.