Iran Closes Airspace Amid Domestic Unrest
Iran has issued a Notice of Air Mission (NOTAM), effectively shutting its airspace to most commercial flights. This decision comes in the wake of weeks of intensified protests and rising tensions with the United States.
Air tracking services reported that the skies over Iran and Iraq were clear right up until the NOTAM was announced.
Only international flights that have received approval from Iranian authorities will be allowed to operate.
The warning is expected to last just over two hours.
“All signs point to an imminent U.S. attack, but this move is also a way for the regime to heighten alert levels. Unpredictability is part of the strategy,” a Western military official noted.
Prior to the NOTAM, President Donald Trump stated during a press conference that he was pleased to see no executions of anti-government protesters by Iran. He also suggested that a military response from the U.S. was not on the horizon.
When asked about potential military action, the president responded, “We’ll be watching to see how that process plays out.” He added, “I’m hearing that the killings in Iran are stopping. It’s stopping. There are no plans for executions.”
“We were assured by the authorities that we would find out. It would upset us greatly if something happened… But the information is that the murders will cease, the executions will end,” he went on.
Coinciding with the NOTAM announcement, Italy, Spain, and Poland issued travel warnings for the Middle East, particularly discouraging “non-essential” travel to Israel. These advisories join a growing number of countries urging their citizens to leave Iran immediately.
Market analysts reported that the sudden closure of airspace led to a 3% spike in global oil prices, as traders anticipated potential supply chain disruptions. Major airlines, including Lufthansa and Air France, have begun to reroute long-haul flights to Asia, increasing travel times and fuel costs significantly.
This situation is still developing, and updates are anticipated.
