As of Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Middle East is at a peak of military tension between the United States and Iran, with overlapping moves by both sides that are restricting air and maritime space across the region.
Below is a situational snapshot of the two main arenas ahead of the coming Tuesday:
1. THE IRANIAN FRONT: PERSIAN GULF CLOSURE (STRAIT OF HORMUZ)
Activity: Iran announced a large-scale naval drill involving live fire in the Strait of Hormuz, scheduled for Sunday–Monday (February 1–2). The exercise was reportedly scaled back, with Chinese and Russian participation canceled, and will proceed in a partial format. The stated aim is to allow renewed talks with Washington and delay any impending American action.
