Iran Shuts Western Airspace After Beirut Strikes

(MENAFN) Iran closed the western section of its airspace indefinitely Sunday, hours after unleashing three successive waves of missile attacks targeting northern Israel — the first such bombardment since the April 8 ceasefire took effect.

The country's civil aviation authority confirmed the airspace closure in an official statement, citing security assessments as the basis for the decision. The escalation followed Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, which triggered a sharp Iranian military response.

Hebrew media reported that Iran launched three missile waves Sunday evening, with Israel's media confirming damage in the city of Tiberias following one barrage said to contain four missiles. The broadcaster also reported that air traffic at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv was suspended.

Iran's army subsequently announced it had targeted Israel's Ramat David Airbase with ballistic missiles, framing the assault as retaliation for what it described as Israeli "massacres" in southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs.

The Israeli army confirmed detecting the missile launches, stating that air defense systems were actively intercepting them, before later announcing additional incoming launches. A correspondent on the ground reported hearing explosions over Haifa and Nazareth as interceptions took place.

An Israeli public broadcaster reported that classes were canceled nationwide in the wake of the attacks. Israeli officials also told the broadcaster that Tel Aviv intended to retaliate, while Israeli media cited an unnamed Israeli official as stating there was "no chance" Israel would avoid retaliation.

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