Iraq extends airspace closure amid regional conflicts

BAGHDAD -- The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority on Sunday extended the total shutdown of the country's airspace for an additional 24 hours, citing continuous assessment of volatile regional security developments.

A statement issued by the authority said that the extension, effective from 12:00 noon local time (09:00 GMT) Sunday until 12:00 noon Monday, suspends all arriving, departing and transiting aircraft to ensure flight safety amid heightened military risks.

The authority described the measure as "temporary and precautionary."

The extension came a day after Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran, prompting Iran's retaliation. Tehran confirmed Sunday that its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in Saturday's attacks.