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U.S. President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran’s leaders on Friday, amid ongoing protests across the country.
He said that the situation in Iran is being monitored very closely and expressed hope that the protesters remain safe.
The Iranian army said today that it will safeguard strategic infrastructure and public property, as the government steps up efforts to soothe the country’s biggest protests in years.
The Iranian military statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new warning to Iran’s leaders. Trump has warned again that he could order military strikes.
Meanwhile, major street protests reported in main cities, including the capital, Tehran, and the second most populous city Mashhad.
State media said a municipal building was set on fire in Karaj, west of Tehran. Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani said, unrest on Thursday night saw more than 50 banks and several government buildings set on fire.
Several international airlines have suspended or cancelled flights to and from Iran as nationwide anti-government protests enter third week, compounded by a near-total internet blackout and heightened security concerns.
The unrest, which began on December 28 over economic hardship, has continued despite a heavy security crackdown.
Human rights groups estimate that between 45 and 100 people have been killed so far, including minors. Authorities imposed wide-ranging mobile and internet restrictions from January 8, limiting communications across the country.
UAE-based carriers have been among those affected. Flydubai cancelled all scheduled services to Iranian cities on January 9, including flights to Tehran, Shiraz, Mashhad and Bandar Abbas. Emirates suspended multiple services to Tehran and other destinations, while Etihad Airways also halted flights to Iran.
Qatar Airways cancelled services between Doha and Tehran, and Turkish Airlines, AJet and Pegasus Airlines suspended or cancelled dozens of flights to Tehran, Tabriz, Mashhad, Isfahan and Shiraz. Austrian Airlines cancelled its Vienna-Tehran service and Lufthansa is reviewing plans to resume flights later this month.
Austrian Airlines cancelled its January 9 service between Vienna and Tehran and said it is monitoring the situation. Lufthansa, which had earlier suspended its Tehran route due to regional security concerns, had planned to resume flights on January 16, but that schedule is now under renewed uncertainty.
Iranian domestic carriers continue to operate inside the country. Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization has issued airspace restrictions near sensitive areas, and several governments have warned airlines of heightened risks.
A series of active Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) issued recently indicated increased defensive measures across multiple parts of the country.
