Iran is conducting live gunfire exercises along its Persian Gulf coast and in areas bordering Iraq and Azerbaijan, as Tehran faces mounting pressure from nationwide anti-government protests and the looming threat of US military intervention.
The drills, according to defence analysts, likely involve anti-aircraft guns designed to shoot down enemy aircraft. Over the past week, Iranian aviation authorities issued at least 20 Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), warning pilots to avoid designated danger zones in southern and northwestern Iran. NDTV reported.
An analysis of these NOTAMs by NDTV's Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) team suggests Iran has effectively created a "virtual wall of fire" along its southern coastline facing Bahrain and Qatar, where the US maintains major military bases. Many of these danger zones are near Qom-just 150 km from Tehran-as well as oil and gas fields, airports, and ports.
Strategic Sites Under The Gun
- The designated areas for gunfire drills include several strategic locations:
- The Fars Gas Field
- An airbase near Asaluyeh Persian Gulf International Airport
- Lavan Island, home to oil and gas facilities
- Areas near Chabahar and at least two smaller ports
The exercises, some already underway and others scheduled for next week, were largely announced after protests intensified across dozens of Iranian cities over the freefall of the Iranian currency and President Trump's vocal support for demonstrators.
