Iran, Israel close airspace after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran
Dhaka: Iran and Israel closed their airspace to civilian traffic on Saturday following a series of joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, as regional tensions escalated and security measures were tightened across the Middle East.
The United States and Israel launched what officials described as preemptive strikes against Iran, triggering multiple explosions in Tehran and other locations. Iranian state television characterized the events as Israeli "aggression."
Iran shuts airspace
Iran closed its entire airspace until further notice after multiple blasts were reported in the capital and elsewhere, according to the spokesman for the Civil Aviation Organization.
The decision followed reports that military sites and ballistic missiles were targeted in the strikes. Iranian media said smoke was seen rising from several parts of Tehran.
The airspace closure effectively halted civilian air traffic as authorities assessed the security situation.
Israel cites "security developments"
Israel also closed its airspace to civilian flights, citing "security developments" after announcing what it termed "preventive strikes" on Iran.
The closure was ordered by Transportation Minister Miri Regev and coincided with sirens sounding in Jerusalem. Israeli officials said the strikes targeted military sites and ballistic missiles in Iran.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized the operation as a preemptive attack intended to "remove threats to the State of Israel."
Israel's military declared a state of emergency and issued public alerts in preparation for potential retaliatory missile launches from Iran.
Regional impact
Media reports indicated that the United States also carried out strikes against Iran. The escalation prompted US embassies in Qatar and Bahrain to issue shelter-in-place orders for their personnel.
Iran has previously warned it would retaliate against American bases in neighboring countries if Washington targeted Iranian territory.
The confrontation comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear program, with negotiations renewed in February but remaining at an impasse.
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