Trump says another U.S. armada is bearing down on Iran as Tehran stages drills near Strait of Hormuz

WEB DESK: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that another U.S. naval “armada” is en route to Iran, while expressing hope that Tehran would reach an agreement with Washington.

“There is another beautiful armada floating beautifully towards Iran right now,” Trump said during a speech. “I hope they make a deal.”

On the hand other hand, Iran has announced the launch of military exercises in and around the Strait of Hormuz and has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting air traffic in the area, Iranian authorities said.

According to the NOTAM, aircraft have been instructed not to fly below an altitude of 25,000 feet over areas surrounding the Strait of Hormuz until January 29, due to the planned drills. Iranian officials said the exercises would be conducted within a nine-kilometre radius.

The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any US vessel entering Iranian territorial waters would be attacked. In a strongly worded statement, the IRGC said the United States often resorts to rhetoric, adding that decisions about war would ultimately be made “on the battlefield.”

The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes, has frequently been a flashpoint during periods of strained relations between Iran and the United States.

No immediate response was issued by US officials, while regional and international observers continue to closely monitor developments in the area.