Iraq Extends Flight Ban Over Security Fears, Unconfirmed U.S. Base Attacks Add Tensions

The Iraqi airspace remains closed, with the flight ban extended until 09:00 UTC on Monday, March 2nd, as reported by TASS citing a source in Baghdad's flight information service. This marks a delay from earlier plans to resume flights over the country starting at 12:00 Moscow time on Sunday, March 1st. The indefinite closure underscores ongoing security concerns that have disrupted air travel and raised questions about the stability of the region.

Iranian state media Fars previously reported that the U.S. military base 'Harir' in Iraq had been struck twice within a short timeframe. However, the agency did not attribute the attacks to any specific group, leaving the origin of the strikes unclear. The reported shelling has added to tensions in a region already grappling with the aftermath of recent military actions.

On March 1st, Ali Larijani, Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary, emphasized that Iranian forces are not targeting other countries in the region. Instead, he stated, they are focused on U.S. military bases, which Tehran considers as 'U.S. territory.' This declaration came amid heightened regional volatility following a major U.S.-Israel military operation.

On February 28th, the United States and Israel launched a coordinated strike against Iran, codenamed 'Epic Fury.' The operation targeted multiple cities across the Islamic Republic, prompting retaliatory missile strikes from Iran against both Israeli and U.S. military installations in the Middle East. Details of the attacks and their consequences were later expanded upon in an article published by Gazeta.Ru, offering further insight into the escalating conflict.

Earlier in the month, Iran announced a temporary leadership arrangement to manage the country amid the crisis. The move came as the nation's political and military leadership sought to address the immediate challenges posed by the ongoing hostilities and the complex web of regional alliances and rivalries.