On the evening of January 14, Iran temporarily closed its airspace to all carriers except for international flights with prior permissions. This decision was published on the website of the Iranian Federal Aviation Administration, as reported by DW.
Initially, the restrictions were in effect for two hours, but the deadline was later extended to 07:30 the following day local time, according to the AP agency.
According to information provided by a European official to Reuters on January 14, there is a possibility that the US may strike Iran within the next 24 hours. This statement followed threats from US President Donald Trump about "serious consequences" for Iran if the authorities begin executing protesters.
Trump: Executions of protesters in Iran canceled
On January 14, Donald Trump stated that, according to "reliable sources," executions of protesters in Iran are no longer planned. On the same day, the head of the Iranian judiciary, Gholam Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, announced the need for expedited judicial proceedings regarding 18,000 detained during the protests, with the possibility of death sentences.
Additionally, the Iranian Foreign Minister stated in an interview with FOX News that the country "has no plans for executions."
US evacuates some troops from base in Qatar
Meanwhile, on January 14, the US recommended that some of its military personnel and staff leave Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which is a key US military base in the Middle East. This was reported by Reuters and AFP, as well as CNN, citing sources. An American representative characterized this move as a precautionary measure.
Approximately 10,000 American military personnel and civilian employees are stationed at the airbase in Qatar, which serves as a command center for US armed forces in the region.
