Translated with AI
Iranian authorities have temporarily restricted flights over the country amid reports of a possible military attack by the United States. According to the website of the Federal Civil Aviation Authority of Iran, on the evening of Wednesday, January 14, the decision was made to close the airspace to all aircraft, with the exception of international flights that had received special permission in advance.
The initial notice stated that the restrictions would be imposed for two hours. However, the ban was later extended, with flights restricted until 7:30 a.m. local time on January 15, according to the Associated Press.
The Iranian government's decision came amid reports of possible US military action. On January 14, a European official told Reuters that the United States could strike Iran within 24 hours. A day earlier, US President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Tehran, declaring his readiness to take "very tough action" if Iranian authorities began issuing death sentences against participants in mass protests.
Later, on January 14, Donald Trump stated that he had learned from "reliable sources" that there were no further plans to execute protesters in Iran. This statement followed remarks by Iran's Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, who had previously called for expedited trials of the 18,000 people detained during the protests and the death penalty for some of them.
At the same time, Iran's Foreign Minister, in an interview with FOX News, emphasized that the country "has no plans whatsoever to hang people."
Amid the escalating situation, the United States also took precautionary measures in the region. On January 14, the United States recommended that some troops and personnel temporarily leave Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar—the largest and most important US military base in the Middle East. This was reported by Reuters, AFP, and CNN, citing sources. A US official, in a comment to the Associated Press, called the move a precautionary measure.
Al Udeid Air Base permanently houses approximately 10,000 American military and civilian personnel. It also serves as the command center for US forces in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, large-scale anti-government protests, which began on December 28, 2025, continue in Iran. The demonstrations were initially sparked by a severe financial crisis amid the sharp devaluation of the national currency. Subsequently, the protesters' economic demands morphed into political ones.
According to available reports, protests have spread to more than 60 cities in 25 provinces across the country. The largest rallies are taking place in Tehran, as well as in the cities of Malekshahi, Kermanshah, and Lordegan in western and southwestern Iran. Authorities have launched a harsh crackdown on the protests, but obtaining reliable information about the events is extremely difficult, as the internet has been down in the country for several days.
According to Iran Human Rights (IHR), a Norway-based human rights organization, at least 3,428 people have been killed and more than 10,000 people have been detained during the protests.
