Iran temporarily closed airspace over its western region on Saturday as diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington continued amid reports the United States was preparing for possible new military strikes.
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced that all civil flight permits had been suspended at airports within the western sector of Tehran’s Flight Information Region.
Authorities said only eight airports across the country remain operational, including Tehran’s Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini airports, as well as airports in Isfahan and Yazd. Flights at those airports have been limited to daylight operations between sunrise and sunset, with airlines required to obtain separate approval for each flight.
The restrictions come amid growing regional tensions and speculation over a possible escalation involving the United States and Iran.
US media outlets Axios and CBS News reported that the US administration was considering further strikes against Iran. Donald Trump also changed his weekend schedule to remain in Washington, prompting further speculation over potential military action.
CBS News reported that the US military was preparing for possible strikes over the weekend, although no final decision had been made.
According to Axios, Trump met senior advisers on Friday morning to discuss developments related to Iran. Later, the president announced he would remain in Washington for what he described as “matters of state” instead of attending his son Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding in New Jersey.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation continued. Pakistan’s army chief, who has reportedly been mediating between the United States and Iran, travelled to Tehran on Friday as part of efforts to secure a political solution.