Iran further extends order closing its airspace to commercial aircraft as tensions remain high

Iran further extended an order closing its airspace to commercial aircraft without explanation early on Thursday (January 15, 2026) as tensions remained high with the United States over Tehran's crackdown on nationwide protests. A notice to pilot said the closure was estimated to last until 7.30 a.m. local time. A previous order had closed the airspace for just over two hours. The Iranian government offered no explanation of the decision to shut its airspace. Iranian officials signaled on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) that fast trials and executions lay ahead for suspects detained in nationwide protests, while the Islamic Republic promised retaliation if the U.S. or Israel intervenes in the domestic unrest. Trump on executions in Iran The threats emerged as some personnel at a key U.S. military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate, even as President Donald Trump made a series of vague statements in a span of 24 hours that left unclear what American action, if any, would take place against Iran. In comments to reporters, Mr. Trump said he had been told that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, without providing many details. The shift comes a day after Mr. Trump told protesters in Iran that “help is on the way” and that his administration would “act accordingly” to respond to the Islamic Republic's deadly crackdown. “We've been told that the killing in Iran is stopping - it's stopped - it's stopping,” Mr. Trump said at the White House while signing executive orders and legislation. “And there's no plan for executions, or an execution, or executions - so I've been told that on good authority.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also sought to tone down the rhetoric, urging the U.S to find a solution through negotiation. Asked by Fox News what he would say to Mr. Trump, Mr. Araghchi said: “My message is: Between war and diplomacy, diplomacy is a better way, although we don't have any positive experience from the United States. But still diplomacy is much better than war." The change in tone by the U.S. and Iran came hours after the chief of the Iranian judiciary said the government must act quickly to punish the thousands who have been detained, including by fast-tracking executions. Published - January 15, 2026 09:53 am IST

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