PARIS, France, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The European Union Aviation Safety Agency on Friday advised airlines to avoid Iranian airspace, after threats of US attacks that have put the Islamic republic on guard. "Given the ongoing situation and the potential for US military action, which has placed Iranian air defence forces on a heightened state of alert, there is currently an increased likelihood of misidentification," the regulator said. Protests linked to the cost of living broke out in Iran on December 28, spiralling into one of the largest protest movements against the clerical leadership since the Islamic republic was founded in 1979. Until Wednesday, the United States had threatened military action if Iran did not abandon plans to execute arrested protesters. US President Donald Trump on Thursday thanked the Iranian government for cancelling "all scheduled hangings" after threatening Tehran with "serious consequences" if the crackdown continued.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 17, 2026 08:56 UTC