Iran reopens airspace after hours-long shutdown spooks airlines

Iran issued a sudden order early Thursday to shut down its airspace which led to fresh alarm across the region already tense over the government’s harsh crackdown on nationwide protests. The authorities did not offer any explanation for the temporary closure, which unfolded at a time when fears of potential US strikes have been rising. According to the flight-tracking platform FlightRadar24.com, Iran’s airspace remained closed for slightly more than two hours.

Iranian officials signalled on Wednesday that fast trials and executions lay ahead for suspects detained in nationwide protests, while the Islamic Republic promised retaliation if the US or Israel intervenes in the domestic unrest. The threats emerged as some personnel at a key US military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate, even as President Donald Trump made a series of vague statements in a span of 24 hours that left unclear what American action, if any, would take place against Iran. The Islamic Republic shut its airspace to commercial flights early Thursday morning for several hours, without explanation, a notice to pilots read.