Lufthansa Extends Suspension of Flights to Iran Until Next Thursday: We Will Not Use Iranian Airspace Either

As the likelihood of military confrontation between the Islamic Republic and Israel escalates, Lufthansa Airlines announced on Friday, April 12, that it has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Tehran until Thursday, April 18. Lufthansa added that during this period, it will not use Iranian airspace for its flights. The German flag carrier stated that this decision was made after a 'thorough assessment' using government security evaluations and its own information. The renewed extension of the flight suspension to and from Iran by Lufthansa came after the company had informed the Persian section of Voice of America on Thursday, April 11, that it had extended the suspension of its flights to and from Tehran until Sunday, April 14, after a careful evaluation. In a dedicated correspondence with the Persian section of Voice of America, the airline stated that the priority of passengers and crew is always its main concern. Lufthansa further noted that it does not solely rely on government assessments but also evaluates the current security situation before making its decisions. This comes as CBS News reported, citing two American officials, that the Islamic Republic may carry out a large-scale attack against Israel on Friday. Additionally, Bloomberg reported on Friday, citing 'sources familiar with Western intelligence assessments,' that Israel is preparing for a 'direct and unprecedented' attack by the Islamic Republic against its state targets. These intelligence sources added that the Islamic Republic may carry out its attacks using drones and precision missiles within the next 48 hours. According to these sources, the United States is simultaneously ramping up its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions while preparing defenses and moving additional military assets to the region. Following the killing of Qassem Soleimani, the former commander of the Quds Force in January 2020, and the retaliatory missile attack by the IRGC on U.S. bases in Iraq, Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 was shot down by IRGC missiles, killing all on board. This tragedy led airlines to adopt special safety and security measures when tensions in the region escalate. Khamenei fears that any domino effect of retreat will be repeated; this is an interpretation by Damoon Mohammadi of his recent positions. Khamenei explicitly retreated; this is an interpretation by Damoon Golriz of the latest position of the leader of the Islamic Republic regarding Israel. Khamenei threatened Israel with 'punishment'; Israel says it will respond powerfully to any attack. Lufthansa stated to Voice of America: Due to the 'current regional conditions,' the airline's flights to and from Iran have been temporarily canceled. The Islamic Republic is at a crossroads of 'strategic patience' or 'hard revenge'; the commander of the IRGC Navy stated: We do not act emotionally or hastily. A senior congressional member noted regarding the threats from the Islamic Republic: Americans in the Middle East remain at risk. Israel says it is prepared for a possible confrontation with the Islamic Republic. The CENTCOM commander is on the verge of traveling to Israel; the potential attack by the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups on Israel is the focus of discussions.