The Associated Press reported that Iran will carry out live-fire military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday and Monday as part of routine drills that affect maritime navigation in the region. Meanwhile, Iran announced that it has acquired 1,000 drones, while the United States has increased its naval presence in the area to 10 vessels, signaling a possible escalation in tensions.

On Thursday, AP said Iran had notified sailors in the Strait of Hormuz of the upcoming live-fire drills, according to Agence France-Presse.

This move comes as part of regular exercises announced by Tehran in the strategic waterway, which is considered one of the most important global routes for oil and gas shipments.

Shipping companies and maritime authorities closely monitor such announcements, as they impact navigation and vessel safety in the region, especially given the sensitivity of the regional situation.

Earlier today, Iran’s military announced that it had equipped its forces with 1,000 drones of various types, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency.

On the other hand, the United States announced that the number of its naval vessels in the region had risen to 10 with the arrival of a new aircraft carrier strike group. This provides President Donald Trump with significant military capabilities should he decide to launch a strike against Iran.

The number of ships deployed by the United States in the Middle East now approaches the level of naval forces Washington stationed in the Caribbean prior to the swift military operation carried out by U.S. special forces, which led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.