Iran has made the decision to extend the closure of its airspace as it anticipates possible retaliation from Israel following the missile attack it launched against the neighboring country on Tuesday evening. This precautionary measure has led to the cancellation of all flights until 5 am, which is 0130 GMT, on Thursday. The aim of this extension is to ensure aviation security during this tense time, as reported by ISNA, the state news agency, which cited comments from a spokesman for the Iranian aviation authority.
Initially, the Iranian government made the important decision to shut down the airspace above its capital city, Tehran. They announced that all flights that were planned to take off or land until Wednesday morning would be cancelled. This action took place after Iran conducted a notable missile strike against Israel on Tuesday evening. The closure of the airspace and the cancellation of flights were part of a larger strategy by Iran to respond to the increasing tensions that have been building up in the region. This situation reflects the serious political and military dynamics at play, as countries in the area react to ongoing conflicts and assert their positions in this complex environment.
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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran announced that the attack was a direct retaliation for the recent killings of several prominent figures, including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah, and an Iranian general. These deaths have heightened the already fragile relations in the area and have led to a swift military response from Iran.
According to statements released by Iranian officials, the targets of the missile strikes included three key Israeli air bases and the headquarters of Mossad, which is Israel’s foreign intelligence service. These locations were strategically chosen by Iran to send a strong message in light of the ongoing conflict and have raised concerns about further escalation in the region.