Iran halts flights after Israel vows retaliation for missile attacks
Flight suspension follows Israeli pledge of retribution for Iranian missiles
Iran halted all flights from its airports last night, hours after Israel vowed retribution for missile attacks from the Islamic regime on Tuesday. The flight suspension will be in place from 9pm local time on Sunday (6.30pm GMT) until 6am on Monday (3.30am GMT), according to Iranian state media.
The Iran Civil Aviation Organization announced the cancellations were due to operational restrictions, without further explanation. State media noted exceptions for emergency, ferry flights, and state aircraft. On Tuesday, Iran imposed flight restrictions while launching missiles at Israel, prompting a promise of retaliation from Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran on Sunday morning that the attack would not go unpunished. Netanyahu stated, “We have not yet eliminated the threat, but we have shifted the balance of the war. And we are not done yet.”
Iran has canceled all flights, fueling fears that Israeli retaliation is imminent. pic.twitter.com/V4bNDGCClW
— Parham Ghobadi (@BBCParham) October 6, 2024
He noted, “Iran has launched hundreds of missiles into our territory, one of the largest ballistic missile attacks in history. No country would accept such an attack on its cities and citizens, and Israel will not either. Israel has the duty and the right to defend itself and respond to these attacks, and it will do so.”
Earlier in the week, Tehran warned that any retaliation would lead to “vast destruction,” raising concerns of a broader conflict. Iran’s armed forces warned that direct intervention by Israel’s allies would provoke a “strong attack” on their regional bases and interests. Tensions rose further when an Israeli attack killed one of Iran’s top military commanders, Esmail Qaani, head of the Quds Force, alongside the new Hezbollah leader, Hashem Safieddine, in Beirut.
The airstrike, during heavy bombing of southern Beirut on Thursday night, targeted Safieddine, who had recently succeeded Hassan Nasrallah, assassinated by Israel last month. Reports indicated Safieddine likely died in the attack. Netanyahu, speaking after the Jewish New Year, did not mention Qaani’s death. He noted Israel was engaged on “seven fronts” but did not specify when an attack on Iran might occur.
On Tuesday, Iran fired over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel. Alarms sounded across Israel, and explosions were heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley. Israelis sought shelter, and reporters lay flat during live broadcasts.
Iran used hypersonic Fattah missiles for the first time, with 90 per cent hitting targets in Israel, according to the Revolutionary Guards. Central Israel experienced a few hits, with other strikes in southern Israel. The Israeli military released footage of a school in Gadera heavily damaged by an Iranian missile.
No injuries were reported in Israel, but one man was killed in the occupied West Bank. The Pentagon reported US Navy warships fired about a dozen interceptors against Iranian missiles targeting Israel. US President Joe Biden expressed full support for Israel and described Iran’s attack as “ineffective.” He mentioned ongoing discussions about Israel’s response and plans to confer with Netanyahu.
Iran’s General Staff of the Armed Forces warned any Israeli response would lead to “vast destruction” of Israeli infrastructure and targeted regional assets of any Israeli ally involved. Iran’s foreign ministry stated the operation was defensive, targeting Israeli military and security facilities. Earlier, Iran’s state news agency reported Tehran targeted three Israeli military bases.
What Other Media Are Saying
- bne IntelliNews reports Iran cancels flights due to escalating tensions with Israel, citing security risks and potential retaliatory actions following missile strikes and heightened military threats.(read more)
- AllSides reports Iran cancels all flights amid fears of a fresh bombardment on Israel, citing operational restrictions without providing further details. The move underscores escalating regional tensions and security concerns.(read more)
- Al Jazeera reports Israel launching a violent bombing campaign on Beirut, killing dozens, while also targeting Gaza, highlighting escalation and human toll in the conflict.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Iran ground all flights last night?
Due to operational restrictions after Israel vowed revenge for missiles fired by Iran.
When will Iran’s flight ban be lifted?
The ban will be lifted at 6am local time on Monday (3.30am GMT).
What exceptions are there to Iran’s flight ban?
Exceptions include emergency flights, ferry flights, and state aircraft.
How did Israel respond to Iran’s missile attack?
Israel vowed to respond, claiming a duty and right to defend itself.
What was the outcome of Iran’s missile attack on Israel?
Iran fired over 180 ballistic missiles; 90% hit targets, causing damage but no injuries in Israel.
