Iran issues Notam for planned rocket launches amid piling US military pressure

Iran on Thursday issued a notice to airmen (Notam) that it is planning to launch rockets in areas across its south amid the looming threat of US airstrikes on the West Asian nation. According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, the Notam was issued from 3:30 GMT to 13:30 GMT.

The Notam was issued just days after Iran conducted navy drills in the Hormuz Strait and plans to conduct a joint naval exercise with Russia on Thursday. What is concerning is the fact that the notice was issued amid heightened tensions with the US, which has deployed warships near Iran.

Earlier this week, US Vice President JD Vance said that Washington was weighing whether to continue diplomatic engagement with Tehran or pursue other options. It is pertinent to note that the Notam system provides pilots, flight crews and other users of airspace with critical safety notices.

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US remains ready

The US military is preparing to strike Iran as early as the weekend. However, US President Donald Trump is yet to make a final decision on the matter, CNN reported. As per the report, the White House has been briefed that the military could be ready for an attack by the weekend.

The development is coming following a significant military build-up that was witnessed in recent days of air and naval assets in West Asia. One source close to the matter told CNN that Trump has privately argued both for and against military action against Iran. Additionally, he has also polled the advisers and allies on the best course of action.

“He is spending a lot of time thinking about this," the source told CNN. On Wednesday, it was reported that the United States and Israel could be on the brink of a major military operation against Iran that might begin “very soon". Sources, cited by Axios, said the plan would be far larger in scope than last year’s 12‑day conflict and could last for weeks if it goes ahead.

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In the past, Trump has repeatedly emphasised the importance of confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. There have been recent discussions with allies and advisers that have underscored the potential for a military option if negotiations fail to achieve meaningful concessions from Tehran.