Iran issues notice over planned rocket launches on Thursday

Iran issued a NOTAM warning of planned rocket launches over its southern airspace Thursday, as tensions rise with the United States. The notice comes amid naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz and a planned joint exercise with Russia, while Washington weighs its next move on Tehran.

Dubai Newsroom and Menna Alaa al Din/Reuters

19 February 2026 at 01:12:04

Iran issues notice over planned rocket launches on Thursday

A missile is launched during an exercise in southern Iran, in this handout image obtained on February 17, 2026.

IRGC/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Reuters

Iran issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) that it plans rocket launches in areas across its south on Thursday from 330 GMT to 1330 GMT, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration website showed on Wednesday.

Iran conducted navy drills this week in the Hormuz Strait and plans to conduct a joint naval exercise with Russia on Thursday.

The notice was issued amid heightened tensions with the U.S., which has deployed warships near Iran, as U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Washington was weighing whether to continue diplomatic engagement with Tehran or pursue other options.

The NOTAM system provides pilots, flight crews and other users of airspace with critical safety notices.

-Dubai Newsroom and Menna Alaa al Din/Reuters