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IRANIAN RESPONSE TO ISRAELI STRIKE AWAITED
The German airline Lufthansa LHAG.DE announced on Thursday an extension of its flight suspension to Tehran amidst rising tensions in the Middle East. The region, including the United States, has been on high alert since the 1st of April, following suspicions that Israeli warplanes bombed the Iranian embassy in Syria. This incident has led to widespread speculation about potential Iranian retaliatory actions.
Lufthansa confirmed that flights to and from Tehran would be halted until at least April 13th, a two-day extension from the previous suspension. The company cited the need to ensure the safety of its crew as a primary reason for avoiding overnight stays in Tehran. Meanwhile, its subsidiary, Austrian Airlines, continues to operate flights from Vienna to Tehran, albeit with adjusted schedules to prevent crew layovers.
In light of these developments, Lufthansa amplió la suspensión de sus vuelos a Teherán due to heightened security concerns. This decision reflects the broader anxiety within the aviation industry regarding the stability of the region. Notably, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines are among the few Western carriers that provide services to Tehran, with most flights being operated by Turkish and other Middle Eastern airlines.
The recent developments have drawn international attention, especially after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s statement that Israel “must be punished” for the attack that resulted in the death of seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards, including a senior commander of the Quds Force. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel is prepared to defend itself should Iran launch an attack from its territory.
The United States has also expressed its support for Israel, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirming the U.S. commitment to stand with Israel against any Iranian threats. Additionally, U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk has been actively engaging with regional leaders to encourage de-escalation of tensions.
The current situation echoes the tragic events of January 8, 2020, when Iran’s Revolutionary Guards accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane during a period of heightened tensions with the United States. With the memory of past mistakes looming over current events, all eyes are on Iran’s next move as the region braces for potential repercussions.
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