Brussels, 17 January (H.S.): The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued an urgent advisory on Friday, urging all airlines to avoid Iranian airspace amid escalating tensions from US threats of military action that have placed Tehran's air defenses on high alert.

The regulator highlighted the increased likelihood of misidentification, citing the deployment of diverse weapons and surface-to-air missile systems alongside unpredictable responses from Iranian forces, which pose severe risks to civil aviation at all altitudes. This directive follows protests that ignited on December 28 over soaring living costs, ballooning into one of the most formidable challenges to Iran's clerical leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Norway-based Iran Human Rights reports at least 3,428 protester deaths—termed an absolute minimum—and over 10,000 arrests in the crackdown. While the United States had menaced intervention until Wednesday should Tehran proceed with executing detainees, Washington retreated after Gulf allies warned of regional fallout; nonetheless, it reiterated Thursday that all options remain on the table.

US President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to Iran that day for suspending all scheduled hangings post his threats of serious consequences.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar