Iran issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) late on Wednesday night, shutting its airspace to all flights except those to or from Iran with special permission. The move comes amid reports from Western military officials that a US military action in the country is imminent.
Flight tracking websites showed that airspace over Iran and Iraq quickly emptied before the NOTAM was officially issued. Airlines have been advised to reroute or cancel flights to avoid the restricted airspace.
A Western military official told Reuters that “all the signals are that a US attack is imminent, but that is also how this administration behaves to keep everyone on their toes. Unpredictability is part of the strategy.”
The US Embassy in Iran issued a security alert. It stated, “Given ongoing regional tensions, the US Embassy in Jerusalem continues to reiterate standard advice to its personnel and all US citizens in Israel to exercise good personal security and preparedness practices. We encourage all travelers to review our most recent Security Alerts, review any travel plans in case of disruptions, and make appropriate decisions for themselves and their families. Crises can happen unexpectedly while traveling or living abroad, and a good plan helps you think through potential scenarios and determine in advance the best course of action.”
Hours earlier, US President Donald Trump said he had been informed that violence in Iran had come to a halt. Speaking at the White House, he said that reports of executions and killings had “stopped” and that there was currently no plan for executions. Trump described his sources as “very important” and indicated he would watch developments closely before deciding on any further action.
He also said that while the immediate threat of executions might be avoided, US military options remain on the table.
How Is US Responding?
The United States has begun partial withdrawals of personnel from Middle East bases amid heightened tensions. A US official said this was a precaution due to threats from Iran, which warned that any American strike could trigger attacks on US bases in the region.
European officials said that US intervention could occur within 24 hours, while an Israeli official indicated that Trump had likely decided to intervene, though the exact timing and scope remained unclear.
Qatar confirmed that drawdowns from Al Udeid Air Base, the US Central Command’s largest base in the Middle East, were underway. British forces also withdrew some personnel from a base in Qatar.
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Protests And Crackdown In Iran
Iran is experiencing its most violent protests since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, triggered by economic hardships and political grievances. Human rights groups report over 2,400 protesters killed and at least 147 government-affiliated deaths.
Iranian officials claim the government remains in control. State media broadcast funeral processions in cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, and Bushehr, showing public support for the government. Citizens waved flags and pictures of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasizing national unity amid unrest.
Armed Forces Chief Abdolrahim Mousavi blamed foreign enemies for the destruction, saying that Iran has “never faced this volume of destruction.” President Masoud Pezeshkian said that as long as the government maintains popular support, foreign efforts to destabilize the country will fail.
Iran’s top officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, have warned neighboring countries that US bases could be attacked if Washington takes military action. Direct contacts between Iranian and US officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, have been suspended.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called the crackdown “the most violent repression in Iran’s contemporary history.”
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Meanwhile, Trump had repeatedly threatened to intervene if executions of protesters proceeded. In past interviews, he promised “very strong action” and encouraged Iranians to continue protesting.
(With inputs from Reuters)
