Protests in Iran: Iran Reopens Airspace Amid Protests and Security Crackdown
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization confirmed Thursday morning that flights have resumed across the country after a brief closure, according to state-aligned media reports. The temporary airspace restriction, issued Wednesday as a NOTAM, had limited flights to international arrivals and departures with prior approval from Iran’s aviation authorities.
The airspace closure followed heightened tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at potential action against Iran, alongside support for anti-government protests that have spanned 18 days. These protests, initially sparked by rising inflation and the falling value of the Iranian rial, have since escalated into broader demonstrations against government policies.
Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports that the unrest has resulted in at least 2,615 deaths and over 18,000 arrests, including the deaths of 13 children and 14 civilians not involved in protests. Security forces have also suffered casualties, with 153 deaths confirmed and hundreds more under investigation.
The Iranian government has imposed a near-total internet blackout, lasting over 156 hours, complicating efforts to verify events on the ground. Authorities have also reportedly targeted Instagram accounts with tools to monitor follower activity, according to Cloudflare’s threat intelligence team.
The United Nations has acknowledged that estimates of casualties vary widely, from 2,000 to 12,000, reflecting the challenges of confirming figures under the communications blackout. Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have framed the unrest as the result of foreign-backed “rioters” and “terrorists,” while promising to address economic grievances.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have signaled intentions to expedite trials and potential executions for those arrested during the protests, emphasizing the urgency of swift judicial action.
U.S. officials have advised caution amid heightened tensions, including recommending some personnel leave strategic bases in the region. President Trump indicated that reports suggest the killing of protesters has stopped and that military action is not currently planned.
The situation remains fluid, with continued global attention on Iran’s political stability, ongoing protests, and the country’s aviation operations.
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