Regional Airspace Shuts Down as U.S.-Israeli Strikes Expand Across Iran

by | Mar 1, 2026 | News

gray warship on body of water

Air travel across much of the Middle East came to a halt as the United States and Israel expanded military operations against Iran, triggering retaliatory missile strikes across the region.

Following a joint operation targeting Iranian leadership, including the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iran launched missiles toward Israel and U.S. military installations in several countries. Explosions were reported near American bases in the Gulf, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.

Israeli officials said fighter jets struck military, intelligence, and missile-defense targets deep inside Iran, including in Tehran. The military confirmed it had moved from long-range strikes to direct overhead bombing after achieving air superiority.

Iranian authorities reported significant civilian casualties, including deaths at a school in southern Iran, though independent verification was limited. The Red Crescent said hundreds were killed or injured nationwide.

The United States said the operation aimed to eliminate imminent threats and degrade Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Iran accused Washington and Jerusalem of crossing “red lines” and warned of further retaliation.

As violence spread, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, and several Gulf states closed their airspace. Major airlines canceled flights, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded or rerouted.

Diplomatic efforts at the United Nations continued amid fears the conflict could expand into a wider regional war.

+ posts