Avoid Iranian airspace

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency on Friday advised airlines to avoid Iranian airspace, after threats of US attacks that have put the Islamic republic on guard.

“Given the ongoing situation and the potential for US military action, which has placed Iranian air defence forces on a heightened state of alert, there is currently an increased likelihood of misidentification,” the regulator said.

“The presence and possible use of a wide range of weapons and air-defence systems, combined with unpredictable state responses and the potential activation of SAM (surface-to-air) systems, creates a high risk to civil flights operating at all altitudes and flight levels.”

Until Wednesday, the US had threatened military action if Iran did not abandon plans to execute arrested protesters. But after warnings from its Gulf allies of regional repercussions, Washington has since stepped back”. US President Donald Trump on Thursday thanked the Iranian government for cancelling “all scheduled hangings” after threatening Tehran with “serious consequences” if the crackdown continued.