Iran Closes Airspace Amid Rising Tensions with United States
Iran took the significant step of closing its national airspace on Thursday. This decision came directly after threats from US President Donald Trump. The American leader warned Iran over its harsh crackdown on widespread protests.
These demonstrations have shaken the Islamic Republic for the past two weeks. They began on December 28th, sparked by the collapse of the Iranian rial currency. The country's economy faces severe pressure from international sanctions.
Disputed Casualty Figures Emerge
According to the Human Rights Activists news agency, the protests have turned deadly. The group reports more than 2,500 people have been killed. This number includes over 100 security personnel and thirteen children.
Additionally, authorities have detained more than 18,400 individuals. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly rejected these claims of mass casualties.
He spoke in an interview with Fox News. Araghchi accused Israel of hatching a conspiracy to inflate the numbers. He claimed the actual death toll is in the hundreds, not thousands.
"When terrorist elements led from outside entered the protests, they started to shoot police officers and security forces," Araghchi stated. "They used Daesh-style terrorist operations. They burned police officers alive. They beheaded them. They shot at police and people."
The Foreign Minister insisted the situation involved fighting terrorists, not protesters. He emphasized the government maintains full control. Araghchi also denied plans to execute detained protesters.
Airspace Closure Disrupts Travel
The Iranian government extended its airspace closure to commercial aircraft. A notice to pilots indicated the shutdown would last until 7:30 AM local time. Officials provided no public explanation for this drastic measure.
This action immediately impacted international flights. Major Indian airlines issued travel advisories. Air India and IndiGo warned passengers of possible delays.
"Due to the emerging situation in Iran and the subsequent closure of its airspace, our flights are now using alternative routing," Air India stated. The airline cited passenger safety as its top priority. It advised travelers to check their flight status before heading to airports.
IndiGo confirmed similar disruptions. The airline said some international flights faced impacts from the sudden airspace closure.
US Military Takes Precautionary Measures
Tensions prompted security precautions at US military installations. On Wednesday, some American military personnel received advice to evacuate a base in Qatar. This followed Trump's warnings about potential action against Iran.
A senior US official, speaking anonymously, called the move precautionary. Similar measures were reportedly taken across the region. The US Embassy in Qatar issued a notice early Thursday.
It advised personnel to exercise increased caution. The embassy also recommended limiting non-essential travel to Al Udeid Air Base. In Kuwait, the US embassy ordered a temporary halt to personnel movements to multiple military bases.
Political Uncertainty and Public Fear
President Trump commented on potential leadership changes in Iran. He spoke to Reuters about Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi. Trump called Pahlavi "very nice" but expressed uncertainty about his support within Iran.
"I don't know how he'd play within his own country," Trump said. "Any regime can fail. Whether or not it falls, it's going to be an interesting period of time."
On the ground in Iran, fear persists among civilians. A mass funeral was held Wednesday for approximately 100 security force members killed in the demonstrations. Tens of thousands of mourners attended, displaying Iranian flags and photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Yet ordinary citizens remain apprehensive. Plainclothes security forces continue patrolling some neighborhoods. Anti-riot police and Basij force members appear to have returned to barracks in many areas.
"We are very frightened because of these sounds of gunfire and protests," said a mother of two shopping for groceries. She spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisals. "We have heard many are killed and injured. Now peace has been restored, but schools are closed. I'm scared to send my children to school again."
Ahmadreza Tavakoli, 36, witnessed one demonstration in Tehran. He told The Associated Press he was shocked by authorities' use of firearms. "People were out to express themselves and protest, but quickly it turned into a war zone," Tavakoli said. "The people do not have guns. Only the security forces have guns."
The Iranian Foreign Minister had a direct message for President Trump during his Fox News interview. "My message is do not repeat the same mistake that you did in June," Araghchi stated. He referenced the US destruction of Iranian facilities during the June conflict.
"If you try a failed experience, you will get the same result," he added. "In June, you destroyed the facilities and machines, but technology cannot be bombed. Determination also cannot be bombed."
The situation remains fluid as diplomatic tensions continue between Washington and Tehran.
