Iran shuts airspace following Israel attack

Tehran residents reported night-time explosions as state media cited air defence systems in action

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Following an Israeli attack, Iran has closed its airspace to commercial flights.

Iran’s civil aviation authority closed the country's airspace until further notice, with flight tracking data showing several civilian planes rerouting around Tehran.

In the early hours of Saturday, Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military sites, describing the action as a direct response to Iran’s recent missile barrage on Israel earlier in October.

Residents in Tehran reported multiple explosions during the night, with state-run media initially attributing the blasts to air defence systems.

At least seven loud explosions shook the area, a Tehran resident said.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that three waves of targeted strikes were completed, achieving their mission objectives.

"In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel – right now the Israel Defense Forces is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran," the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement.

Hours later, the Israeli military warned that Iran would face consequences if it escalated the conflict further

A semi-official Iranian news agency responded, indicating Iran’s intent to deliver a "proportional reaction" to Israel’s strikes.

Iran stated that its air defense system effectively intercepted Israel’s attacks on military sites across Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces, causing only “limited damage” to certain areas.

The region has been on high alert for Israel's response after Iran launched a missile attack on October 1, firing approximately 200 missiles at Israel and causing one fatality in the West Bank.

Amid the escalation, Syria reported intercepting “hostile objects” in its airspace, indicating a broader regional impact.

The strikes followed diplomatic efforts by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who urged Israel to avoid direct conflict over Iranian nuclear sites.

The White House recognised the Israeli action, with National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett noting Israel’s “targeted strikes” on Iranian military locations but refraining from further comment.

The Israeli strikes followed extensive security deliberations, and a call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden.