Iran Issues Warning to Pilots Amidst Rising Middle East Tensions
New Delhi: Iran has issued a warning to pilots and aviation authorities to avoid its airspace amidst threats from Iranian officials to attack Israel. The warning, issued on Monday, follows U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement to G7 foreign ministers on Sunday that Tehran could launch an attack within 24 to 48 hours. Blinken did not specify the nature of the potential attack. Israel has declared its readiness to respond to any assault, with the U.S. affirming its commitment to Israel’s defense.
This heightened alert follows the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ top political leader, in Tehran. Haniyeh was in Iran for the new president’s inauguration when he was killed by a bomb at an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps guesthouse. Iran and Hamas claim he was struck by a missile, but Israel has not commented.
In response to the situation, Israel’s military has been put on high alert. The U.S. is coordinating with military and regional partners to prepare for potential conflict. The recent developments have led to concerns that a new attack could be more complex and extensive than a previous incident in April, when Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel. Unlike in April, Iran has not provided specific warnings this time, raising concerns about the potential scale and impact of any forthcoming strike. Blinken warned that a significant attack could severely damage any future U.S.-Iran engagement, jeopardizing ongoing indirect talks facilitated by Omani officials.
FOLLOW FOR MORE.
