Latest news with #IsraelIranTensions
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
Saudi airports issue travel alert after airspace closures amid Israel-Iran tension
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday issued a travel alert for citizens and residents after airspace closures following the Israeli attacks on Iran ramping up tensions between the regional rivals. Increased tensions in the region could pose security risks and several countries in the Middle East closed their airspace, resulting in travel disruptions, including flight cancellations. Major airports authorities in the Kingdom have advised those traveling to check with their airlines before heading to the airport to avoid delays or flight changes. In advisories on social media, King Khalid International Airport Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport, Dammam and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah, said: 'In the interest of your safety and comfort and due to the current developments in some countries in the region, travelers heading to destinations affected by airspace closures are kindly advised to contact their respective airlines directly before proceeding to the airport. 'This is to confirm the latest updates on their flights and to avoid any unexpected delays or changes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we are always pleased to serve you.' After Israel attacked Iran early on Friday, airlines diverted flights affected by airspace closures. Airlines cleared out of the airspace over Israel, Iran and Iraq, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers scrambling to divert and cancel flights to keep passengers and crew safe. Joanne Serrieh, a journalist working with Alarabiya, on Friday afternoon posted on X: 'Currently on Emirates flight EK216 from LAX to DXB. We're being diverted to avoid closed Iranian airspace. We'll be landing in Jeddah to refuel then will hopefully be able to continue to Dubai.' Shamim Akhter, an Indian expat who worked in Riyadh for decades and is flying back home tonight on final exit, told Arab News: 'After learning about airspace closure and flight diversion from Arab News, I contacted my airline, so far, the flight is expected to depart as scheduled. There is no change in timing, so I will proceed on time. 'If there is a change, I will be informed by the airline,' he said, adding: 'The heightened tension following the Israeli attack on Iran has created unnecessary chaos. I hope and pray things return to normal soon.' Due to the heightened tension Iranian airspace has been closed until further notice, state media reported. Jordan also closed its airspace to all flights. Israel has suspended flights to and from Israel, its flag carrier El Al Airlines said. Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice. Conflict zones around the world are becoming an increasing burden on airline operations. Six commercial aircraft have been shot down unintentionally and three endured near misses since 2001, according to aviation risk consultancy Osprey Flight Solutions.
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
Egyptian fertilizers companies halt operations after Israeli gas imports drop, sources
CAIRO, June 13 (Reuters) - Egyptian fertilizers companies halted operations on Friday morning, industry sources told Reuters, due to a drop in gas imports from Israel. They said the gas import decline was caused by the suspension of operations at major Israeli gas fields resulting from tensions between Israel and Iran.
Russia Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Kremlin comments on Israel's attack on Iran
Russia 'is concerned and condemns the sharp escalation of tensions' between Israel and Iran, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said, commenting on the Israeli strikes. Earlier on Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a series of attacks targeting both military and nuclear sites in Iran. Central Tehran was also hit. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation aimed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The attack came just two days before the sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Sunday in Oman. Peskov told reporters on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is monitoring the situation through the Defense Ministry, Foreign Intelligence Service, and Foreign Ministry. 'President Putin receives real-time reports on events in the region,' Peskov said. Iranian media reported that several top-level military commanders, including Revolutionary Guard commander Hossein Salami and Deputy Chief of Army Staff Gholam Ali Rashid, and at least six nuclear scientists were killed in the strikes. According to state news agency IRNA, Tehran has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council following the airstrikes on its territory, which it described as 'blatant aggression' by Israel. The Iranian Army earlier warned that 'a bitter lesson awaits Netanyahu.' Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned on Friday morning that Israel 'should expect severe punishment.' In light of the rapidly deteriorating security situation, the Russian embassy in Tel Aviv has advised Russian citizens to refrain from traveling to Israel and urged those already in the country to stay near shelters.
Russia Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Kremlin comments on Israeli attack on Iran
Russia 'is concerned and condemns the sharp escalation of tensions' between Israel and Iran, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said, commenting on the Israeli strikes. Earlier on Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a series of attacks targeting both military and nuclear sites in Iran. Central Tehran was also hit. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation aimed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The attack came just two days before the sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Sunday in Oman. Peskov told reporters on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is monitoring the situation through the Defense Ministry, Foreign Intelligence Service, and Foreign Ministry. 'President Putin receives real-time reports on events in the region,' Peskov said. Iranian media reported that several top-level military commanders, including Revolutionary Guard commander Hossein Salami and Deputy Chief of Army Staff Gholam Ali Rashid, and at least six nuclear scientists were killed in the strikes. According to state news agency IRNA, Tehran has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council following the airstrikes on its territory, which it described as 'blatant aggression' by Israel. The Iranian Army earlier warned that 'a bitter lesson awaits Netanyahu.' Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned on Friday morning that Israel 'should expect severe punishment.' In light of the rapidly deteriorating security situation, the Russian embassy in Tel Aviv has advised Russian citizens to refrain from traveling to Israel and urged those already in the country to stay near shelters.
Reuters
2 days ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Australia 'alarmed' by escalation between Israel and Iran
SYDNEY, June 13 (Reuters) - Australia foreign minister Penny Wong said on Friday she was alarmed by the escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran, after Israel said it had struck dozens of targets inside Iran. "Australia is alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran," Wong told a news conference. "This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile." Australians in the region should monitor government advisories from Canberra on travel in the Middle East, she added. Israel said early on Friday that it struck Iran, and Iranian media said explosions were heard in Tehran as tensions mounted over U.S. efforts to win Iran's agreement to halt production of material for an atomic bomb.
