Iran shuts airspace after blasts in Tehran; Israel closes skies

Iran on Saturday closed its airspace until further notice, following multiple blasts in the capital Tehran and elsewhere, the civil aviation agency said.

"The airspace of the entire country is closed until further notice," announced the spokesman of Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation, quoted by Tasnim news agency.

The ministry's spokesman Mitham al-Safi told state-run Iraqi News Agency about the closure, noting that "the closure was preceded by the evacuation of all air traffic from Iraqi airspace."

Smoke was seen rising from central Tehran on Saturday following what appeared to be an Israeli strike near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It was not immediately clear whether the 86-year-old cleric was present at the time. He has not been seen in public for several days amid heightened tensions with Washington.

The attack comes as Washington has deployed a significant number of fighter jets and warships to the region in an effort to pressure Tehran into agreeing a deal over its nuclear programme. President Donald Trump has sought an agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear activities, viewing the current domestic unrest in Iran as a potential point of leverage.

Earlier today, Israel has shut its airspace for all civilian flights.