WEBDESK: Iran has closed its airspace to all flights after Israeli forces carried out a series of deadly airstrikes targeting military and nuclear facilities. The sudden move to seal Iran airspace comes amid fears of further attacks and rising tensions in the Middle East.
Israel launched the strikes early Friday, June 13, 2025, as part of what it called “Operation Rising Lion.” The operation aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear program and military infrastructure. Key targets included the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, ballistic missile production sites, and military command centers.
According to Iranian state media and eyewitnesses, loud explosions were heard in several areas, including near the heavily guarded Natanz facility. The attacks left significant damage and resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian officials. Major General Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was reportedly killed, along with two prominent nuclear scientists, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani.
The Israeli strikes did not only target military sites. Eyewitness accounts and Iranian news reports confirmed that residential neighbourhoods in northern, western, and central Tehran were also hit. Several civilians, including children, lost their lives in the strikes, increasing anger and grief across the country.
In response to the escalating conflict, Iranian authorities announced the immediate closure of Iran airspace to all commercial and military flights. Neighbouring countries such as Iraq and Jordan quickly followed, sealing their skies to avoid getting caught in the conflict. Flight tracking services reported that airlines have begun rerouting aircraft to steer clear of Iran airspace and nearby danger zones.
Israel’s military said the Israeli strikes were necessary to prevent Iran from advancing its alleged nuclear weapons program. Defense officials in Israel warned this could mark the beginning of a longer military campaign.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed a severe response, promising retaliation for the deaths of military leaders and civilians. The closure of Iran airspace reflects the country’s heightened state of alert and growing fears of further Israeli or allied attacks.
With diplomatic channels strained and tensions escalating, regional and global leaders have urged both nations to exercise restraint, warning that the closure of Iran airspace and continuing strikes could trigger a broader conflict in the volatile region.
Israel’s military stated that these Israeli strikes were a necessary move to halt Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons program. Israeli defense officials warned that this could be the start of a longer campaign aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed harsh retaliation. He promised that the blood of Iran’s military leaders and scientists would not go unavenged, warning Israel of severe consequences.
