Why Did Iran Suddenly Close Its Airspace? Tensions with the US Rise Amid Protests

Iran's unexpected closure of its airspace for several hours has raised concerns amid escalating tensions with the United States over the government's violent crackdown on protests. The closure, which affected international flights, comes as the U.S. military advises personnel to evacuate from bases in the region. With a significant death toll reported from the protests, both nations are now navigating a complex landscape of diplomacy and potential conflict. This article delves into the implications of these developments for global aviation and international relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 15, 2026, 12:25 IST

Iran's Airspace Closure Raises Concerns

Dubai: Iran unexpectedly shut down its airspace to commercial flights for several hours early Thursday, amid ongoing tensions with the United States related to Tehran's violent response to nationwide protests.

The airspace remained closed for over four hours, as indicated by pilot advisories from Iran, which is situated on a crucial East-West flight corridor. International airlines were forced to reroute their flights around Iran, but after an extension, the airspace was reopened, allowing several domestic flights to take off shortly after 7 a.m.

Previously, Iran had closed its airspace during the 12-day conflict with Israel in June and during exchanges of fire with Israel amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, there were no immediate signs of military action, although the closure had significant implications for global aviation due to Iran's strategic location.

According to SafeAirspace, a website that tracks conflict zones and air travel, many airlines have either reduced or suspended their operations, with most avoiding Iranian airspace altogether. "This situation could indicate potential security or military developments, including the risk of missile launches or increased air defense measures, which heightens the chances of misidentifying civilian aircraft," the site noted.

In the past, Iran has mistakenly identified a commercial flight as a threat. In 2020, Iranian air defenses shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, killing all 176 passengers and crew members. Initially, Iran denied responsibility, labeling accusations as Western propaganda, before eventually admitting to the incident.

The airspace closure coincided with advisories for personnel at a significant U.S. military base in Qatar to evacuate. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait instructed its staff to "temporarily halt" visits to various military installations in the Gulf nation.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump made ambiguous remarks regarding potential actions against Iran, leaving many questions unanswered. He mentioned that he had been informed that plans for executions in Iran had ceased, without elaborating further. This statement followed his earlier comments to Iranian protesters, assuring them that "help is on the way" and that his administration would respond appropriately to the Iranian government's violent crackdown.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attempted to de-escalate tensions, urging the U.S. to pursue diplomatic solutions. When asked by Fox News about his message to Trump, Araghchi stated, "Between war and diplomacy, diplomacy is the preferable option, although our experiences with the U.S. have not been positive. Still, diplomacy is far better than conflict."

This shift in tone from both the U.S. and Iran occurred shortly after the head of the Iranian judiciary emphasized the need for swift action against the thousands of individuals detained during the protests.

Activists have raised alarms that executions of detainees could be imminent. The crackdown on protests has reportedly resulted in at least 2,615 deaths, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. This death toll surpasses that of any previous protests or unrest in Iran in decades, reminiscent of the turmoil surrounding the 1979 Islamic Revolution.