Mahan Air flights, operated by the Tehran-based private Iranian carrier, were detected flying within Iranian airspace early Thursday (January 15), even as authorities enforced a temporary no-fly zone amid rising tensions with the US over Tehran’s violent suppression of nationwide protests.
Meanwhile, the presence of these aircraft triggered speculation among observers that China could be extending logistical or military assistance to Iran, particularly if Washington moves toward direct intervention. The Trump administration has so far refused to rule out such action.
The US first designated Mahan Air in 2011 under counterterrorism authorities, accusing it of providing material support to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps–Qods Force (IRGC-QF). Washington again sanctioned the airline in 2019 under weapons of mass destruction statutes, alleging it transported UN-restricted missile and nuclear-related equipment.
Early January 15, Iran abruptly shut its airspace to commercial traffic without offering an explanation. According to aviation advisories, the closure lasted over four hours and disrupted a major East-West aviation corridor. As a result, international airlines diverted flights north and south of Iranian territory. After one extension, authorities reopened the airspace, and several domestic flights took off shortly after 7 a.m.
Regional Security Alerts Raise Alarm
Iran has previously suspended civilian flights during periods of conflict, including the 12-day war with Israel in June and during exchanges linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Although officials reported no active hostilities this time, the sudden closure quickly affected global aviation due to Iran’s strategic geographic position.
Concerns persist due to past incidents involving Iranian air defenses. In January 2020, Iranian forces mistakenly shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 with surface-to-air missiles, killing all 176 people onboard. Iranian authorities initially denied responsibility before admitting the strike days later.
The airspace shutdown also coincided with heightened security measures at US military installations in the Gulf. In Qatar, officials advised some American personnel to evacuate key bases, while the US Embassy in Kuwait instructed staff to temporarily suspend visits to several military facilities.
Also Read: Trump Urges Iranians to ‘Keep Protesting, Take Over Institutions,’ Says ‘Help Is on Its Way’
On Wednesday (January 14), US President Donald Trump issued a series of ambiguous remarks on Iran. He claimed he had received credible information suggesting Tehran halted planned executions, though he offered no evidence. Earlier, Trump publicly urged Iranian protesters to continue demonstrations, stating that “help is on the way” and warning that his administration would “act accordingly” in response to the regime’s deadly crackdown.
At the same time, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi sought to cool tensions, calling on Washington to pursue dialogue and negotiations rather than confrontation.