Iraq closes airspace as Iran launches fresh missile attack on Israel

SULAYMANIYAH — Iraq closed its airspace Sunday night for 72 hours as tensions escalated following Iranian missile attacks on Israel, with the Civil Aviation Authority suspending all arriving, departing and transit flights as a precautionary measure.

Ahmed Hoshyar, director of Erbil International Airport, confirmed to 964media that the closure applies to all airports across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The authority said the decision was based on “continuous assessment of the security situation” in light of “current regional developments and tensions” and that airlines would be notified of any updates. Flight-tracking data showed commercial aircraft already rerouting across neighboring countries after the closure took effect.

Iran launched ballistic missiles toward Israel on Sunday, marking its first direct attack since the April ceasefire. Israel’s military said air defense systems intercepted incoming fire and later reported a second volley. Israel’s public broadcaster reported 10 missiles in the initial strike; Channel 12 reported four intercepted in the follow-up. Sirens sounded across northern Israel and the Israeli military urged residents not to publish the locations of missile impacts.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted Israel’s Ramat Air Base with ballistic missiles, describing the strike as a “warning,” and warned that future responses would be “broader in scope” and could target American and Israeli objectives. Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned of “devastating attacks” against Israel and its supporters if Israel retaliates or expands military operations in Lebanon. CNN, citing two Israeli sources, reported Israel intends to “respond forcefully.” Axios, citing a U.S. official, reported that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the escalation.

Iraq has repeatedly closed its airspace during regional escalations. The country suspended all air traffic on Feb. 28 after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered missile and drone activity across the region, extending the closure 10 times before reopening on April 8 following a ceasefire, ending a 38-day shutdown that disrupted thousands of flights and stranded travelers across the region.

This article has been updated