Iran has temporarily shut its airspace as protests continue across the country and tensions with the United States intensify. The late-night move has raised fresh concerns over security, civilian travel and the safety of foreign nationals.
The situation remains fluid. While Donald Trump has said Washington has been told that killings have stopped and executions will not take place, rights groups say reports of abuses continue to emerge. Diplomatic missions have begun reacting. Airlines have issued advisories. This live blog tracks the latest developments.
10 key developments in the Iran crisis
- Iran closes its airspace: Iran issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) temporarily shutting its airspace to most flights, allowing only select international operations with prior clearance. The closure may be extended depending on the security situation.
- Indian airlines warn of delays and cancellations: Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet issued advisories warning passengers of delays and cancellations on international routes. Travellers have been asked to check flight status before heading to airports.
- Trump says executions ‘won’t take place’: Speaking at the White House, Trump said the US had been told that killings of protesters had stopped and that feared executions would not happen. “We’ve been told on good authority, and I hope it’s true,” he said.
- Trump says US is ‘locked and loaded’: Earlier, Trump warned Tehran against further violence. “If Iran kills peaceful protesters… the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” he wrote on Truth Social.
- Iran airs threat message aimed at Trump: Iranian state television broadcast a provocative message warning that “this time it will not miss the target”, referencing Trump’s attempted assassination during a 2024 campaign rally. Images of the broadcast spread rapidly online.
- UK shuts Tehran embassy: The UK temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrew diplomatic staff, citing rising security concerns. Reports also said the US had evacuated some personnel from a major air base in Qatar.
- US urges citizens to leave Iran: The US virtual embassy advised American citizens to leave Iran due to growing security risks as protests enter a second week.
- Amnesty alleges mass unlawful killings: Amnesty International said Iranian security forces carried out mass unlawful killings, citing video evidence and eyewitness accounts. The group alleged protesters were shot at close range, including from rooftops.
- G7 warns of possible new sanctions: G7 foreign ministers said they were “deeply alarmed” by reports from Iran and warned that further sanctions could be imposed if violence against protesters continues.
- Political reactions grow outside Iran: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called the situation “very serious”, warning that developments could escalate. Meanwhile, Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi outlined a vision for a post-Islamic Republic Iran, calling on the international community to support protesters.
Iran’s airspace closure, airline disruptions and diplomatic withdrawals signal growing international concern as protests continue and US-Iran tensions sharpen. The coming days are seen as critical.