News Desk

Iraq, Syria, and Jordan have taken the unprecedented step of closing their airspace following an Iranian strike against Israel. Iraqi Minister of Transport Razzaq Al-Saadawi announced the closure of Iraqi airspace in response to the Iranian attack, coinciding with the launch of two waves of drones by Iran into Iraq’s western borders.

The Iranian drones, including the high-pitched Shahid drones, famous from Russia’s war in Ukraine in 2021, were observed by locals. Al-Saadawi confirmed the closure, stating, “Iraqi airspace has been closed and air traffic has stopped.”

Additionally, Jordan had earlier announced the closure of its airspace due to Israeli jamming of GPS and radar signals ahead of the anticipated Iranian attack.

Despite the closure, Flightradar24, a plane tracking website, indicated that more than ten aircraft were still present in Iraqi airspace, including a returning Iraqi Airways flight from Medina.

In response to what the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described as numerous crimes by Israel, including attacks on Iranian interests in Syria, the IRGC Aerospace Force launched a barrage of missiles and drones targeting specific locations within Israel. This marks the first time Iran has publicly acknowledged using cruise missiles against Israel from its own territory.