(Fox News) – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is restricting flights over Iraq, Iran and Persian Gulf airspace in response to Iranian missile attacks that targeted two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq Wednesday. The FAA cited a potential for miscalculation or misidentification for the restrictions on U.S. civil aviation operators.
“The Federal Aviation Administration issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) tonight outlining flight restrictions that prohibit U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman,” the agency said in a statement. Some international air carriers are avoiding the airspace, as well. Singapore Airlines announced it was diverting flights from Iranian airspace to Europe, Bloomberg reported.
The FAA notice comes hours after Iran took responsibility for firing more than a dozen ballistic missiles into Iraq that targeted U.S. and coalition forces. The airstrikes were in response to the death of Iranian Quds Force Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week. Soleimani was killed in a U.S.-ordered drone strike at Baghdad International Airport early Friday, along with several Iraqi military leaders. The killing has escalated tensions between Washington and Tehran, with each side threatening military force in the days since. READ MORE