On Saturday, April 18, Iran announced the partial reopening of its airspace for international flights traversing the eastern part of the country. This decision was confirmed by the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization, as reported by Iran International and The Times of Israel.
The organization stated that routes in the eastern airspace would now be accessible for international transit flights. While some airports were opened in the morning, flight tracking websites showed no flights crossing Iran for over three hours, with several airlines opting to avoid the area.
Authorities indicated that the resumption of flights across the country would occur gradually, depending on the operational readiness of both military and civilian sectors to provide passenger services.
Iran had completely closed its airspace on February 28, 2026, following the commencement of a joint military operation by the United States and Israel against the nation. This closure was a response to a series of airstrikes targeting Tehran and strategic locations.
Western media reported that these measures would remain in effect indefinitely. Shortly after, Israel and several neighboring countries also closed their airspaces.
On February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran. Subsequently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the initiation of a “major combat operation” against Iran, aimed at eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and attacked U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The European Union expressed its unwavering commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked on the need to give Iranians a chance to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime” and to ensure the safety of all nations affected by attacks originating from Iran.
On February 28, Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a statement later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). The following day, the IRGC announced the start of what it called the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. bases.
Trump warned Iran against these plans, threatening a “very strong response.” On March 6, he called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, suggesting he had candidates for a new leader.
On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the deceased Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
On March 26, Trump announced a temporary halt to the destruction of Iranian energy facilities until April 6. However, due to a lack of progress in negotiations, he extended the deadline by 20 hours to the evening of April 7.
Trump threatened to destroy all bridges and power plants in Iran, warning of severe consequences for the Iranian people and potential regional instability.
On April 6, Iran presented a ten-point plan to the U.S. and Israel for ending the war through Pakistan.
On April 7, Trump agreed to postpone bombings of Iran and delay a “devastating attack” for two weeks, provided the Strait of Hormuz was reopened. He stated that the ceasefire would be mutual and that Iran’s ten-point proposal was an acceptable basis for negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz within two weeks was possible, contingent upon coordination with Iranian armed forces and technical limitations.
On April 11, trilateral talks took place in Islamabad between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Pakistan. Following these discussions, U.S. envoy Vance stated that no agreement had been reached on a lasting ceasefire due to disagreements over “two or three key issues.”
Iran has partially reopened its airspace for international flights after a complete closure following military operations by the U.S. and Israel. The reopening comes amid ongoing tensions and efforts for regional stability, with authorities indicating a gradual resumption of services.
Source: Iran International