Iran Widens Closure of Airspace Amid Expected Israeli Retaliation
Iran has unexpectedly extended its airspace closure as it braces for potential reprisals from Israel. The Islamic Republic initially shutdown its air traffic over the capital, Tehran, as a safety precaution after conducting a string of missile launches against the Jewish state last Tuesday. The closure initially lasted till Wednesday morning before being indefinitely extended to 5 am (0130 GMT) on Thursday.
Under the order, all outbound and inbound flights have been grounded as the country reinforces its air defense systems. As per official reports, Aviation Authority sources cited by State News Agency ISNA corroborated this development. Following the military escalation, diplomatic tensions are running high amidst fears of a full-fledged crisis.
The Iranian Aerospace Force unleashed a barrage of missiles in retaliation for recent killings involving prominent figures Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah Commander Hassan Nasrallah and an unnamed Iranian general. The projectiles targeted three high-security Israeli air bases alongside the HQ of the covert foreign intelligence agency, the Mossad.
As the delicate situation intensifies, anxiety is escalating across the broader Middle Eastern region. Fears are growing that the dispute could expand, potentially posing a destabilizing threat not only for the region, but global security as well. Iran’s decision will undoubtedly contribute to the unease among international travelers in the weeks to come
