Iran extended the closure of its airspace to all commercial flights, issuing an order early Thursday according to a report from the Associated Press.
According to the report, a notice sent to pilots said the closure was expected to remain in effect until 7:30am (local time).
The report states that an earlier order had shut down Iranian airspace for just over two hours before being extended.
The continued closure has raised questions as it comes during a period of heightened political tension.
The decision follows ongoing unrest in the country and strained relations with the United States over Iran’s handling of protests.
The lack of clarity has prompted increased monitoring on flight radar platforms, as airlines and aviation officials track disruptions across the region.
The airspace shutdown affects commercial air traffic passing through Iranian skies, which is the main passage for most flights between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The extension also comes as Iran’s foreign minister has denied claims that the government plans to execute protesters, statements that have drawn international attention amid continued scrutiny of Iran’s internal security measures.
