Tensions are rising after Iran abruptly closed its airspace.
On the 15th (local time), Iran announced through a notice to air missions that it would close its airspace from 1:45 a.m. to 4 a.m. local time (7:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Korea time) for "air missions."
The Iranian government said some international flights that had obtained prior approval from its aviation authorities could continue to enter and leave Iran.
The government later said in an additional notice that it would extend the airspace closure by 3 hours and 30 minutes, until 7:30 a.m. local time (1 p.m. Korea time).
Iran's airspace closure came as U.S. President Donald Trump warned of possible military intervention, citing the Iranian government's killing of protesters. However, airlines from several countries, including the United States and Germany, had exercised caution about entering Iranian airspace even before the announcement.
The situation further intensified as reports emerged of a partial drawdown of personnel at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. base in the Middle East.
That day, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar posted a notice on its website advising U.S. citizens staying in Qatar to "refrain from going to Al Udeid Air Base."