Tel Aviv, Israel – A fragile calm has settled over the Middle East after a tense night that saw Iran launch a retaliatory drone and missile attack on Israel. While several Arab nations, including Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon, have reopened their airspaces following closures due to security concerns, the region remains on edge.
The Iranian strikes, the first direct attack on Israeli soil, were a response to a deadly Israeli airstrike on an Iranian embassy building in Damascus last week. The attack killed a senior Iranian commander and several other officers, significantly escalating tensions.
Flights Disrupted as Airlines Reroute
While air traffic is slowly resuming, the immediate aftermath of the attacks caused significant disruptions. Global airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, Swiss International, Lufthansa, and Austrian Airlines, have cancelled or rerouted flights to avoid the affected airspace. Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport is expected to see schedule disruptions, with Israel’s national carrier, El Al, working to stabilize operations.
Uncertain Future for the Region
The international community has condemned the Iranian strikes, with many countries fearing a wider regional conflict. The ongoing Israeli war on Gaza further complicates the situation, with no end in sight despite mediation efforts.
As Iran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad Airport remain closed until Monday morning, the coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the escalating tensions.