Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply on Thursday after Tehran moved to close most of its airspace, issued a direct threat against US President Donald Trump, and warned it would strike American military bases across the Middle East should Washington intervene in Iran’s deepening internal crisis.
The developments come amid mounting reports that the United States is preparing to launch military strikes against Iran within the next 24 hours, according to sources cited by Reuters. The situation marks one of the most dangerous flashpoints in US–Iran relations in years, as mass protests inside Iran, regional military movements, and explicit threats against Western leaders converge.
Airspace closure signals heightened alert
Iran issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) closing its airspace to most flights, permitting only a limited number of international flights with special authorisation. Flight tracking data showed just five aircraft over Iranian territory at the time the restriction took effect, underscoring the severity of the move.
The airspace closure follows days of unrest and signals heightened military alertness as Tehran braces for possible US action. Airlines across the region have begun adjusting schedules, with Germany’s Lufthansa becoming the first major carrier to suspend flights to Israel amid fears of a wider regional conflict.
Explicit threat against Trump
In a highly provocative escalation, Iranian state television broadcast an image of President Trump covered in blood and surrounded by US Secret Service agents. The image referenced the failed assassination attempt against Trump during the 2024 US election campaign in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The accompanying caption read: “This time it will not miss the target.”
The broadcast was widely interpreted as a direct threat against the US president and has intensified concerns in Washington about Tehran’s intentions. US officials have not publicly commented on the image, but it has further fuelled speculation that military action is imminent.
US military movements in the region
Signs of impending conflict have also emerged through visible US military movements. FlightRadar data showed six US Air Force KC-135 aircraft departing Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American military installation in the Middle East.
Iran has warned that any US intervention would be met with strikes against American bases throughout the region. Britain, citing security concerns, has reportedly withdrawn military personnel from Al Udeid and temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, shifting operations to a remote footing.
Iran claims control amid protest crackdown
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted the government remains in “full control” of the country, dismissing protesters as terrorists during an interview with Fox News. He claimed that calm had returned following what he described as “three days of terrorist operations.”
These statements contrast sharply with reports from human rights groups and foreign governments, which allege that thousands of protesters have been killed in clashes with police and military forces. Internet blackouts across Iran have made it difficult to verify casualty figures, contributing to widespread uncertainty about the true scale of the violence.
President Trump has publicly urged Iranian authorities not to carry out executions of detained protesters, warning of “strong action” should the regime proceed. Iran’s chief justice responded defiantly, announcing that trials would be fast-tracked, a move seen as a direct challenge to Washington.
Conflicting signals on executions
President Trump told reporters that he had been informed by “very important sources” that executions had stopped, including the reported reprieve of 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani. However, he acknowledged uncertainty over whether the killing had truly ended.
“We were told on good authority that there would be no executions,” Trump said. “I hope that’s true. That’s a big thing.”
The White House has not confirmed whether this assurance is sufficient to delay or cancel planned military action, with Trump stating he would “watch and see” how events unfold.
Civilians flee as crisis deepens
As tensions rise, Iranian families and foreign nationals have begun fleeing the country via land routes into Turkey and Armenia. With flights heavily disrupted and borders increasingly congested, humanitarian concerns are growing alongside fears of an imminent regional war.
Diplomatic efforts appear limited, embassies are closing, troops are repositioning, and rhetoric on all sides is hardening. Whether the next 24 hours bring de-escalation or open conflict remains uncertain, but the trajectory points toward a dangerous confrontation with global implications.
