
Basra Airport reopens after brief security halt
In remarks with Shafaq News, Ministry spokesperson Maytham al-Safi pointed to a temporary halt implemented earlier in the day as a precautionary measure. The suspension was linked to security concerns, though no details were provided about the nature of the threat.
Basra International Airport remains the only operational airport in Iraq amid a nationwide airspace closure, imposed as hostilities between Israel and Iran intensify. Flights continue during daylight hours only.
The suspension—and its swift reversal—came just hours after the United States launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, which President Donald Trump described as 'precise and successful.'
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Memri
20 minutes ago
- Memri
The Moscow Times: The Kremlin's Political Influence In Iran, And In The Middle East As A Whole, Is Reaching Zero
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Rudaw Net
2 hours ago
- Rudaw Net
Iraq launches security operation after drone attacks
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Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
UN Envoy urges end to Israeli violations in Syria
Shafaq News – Damascus On Friday, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen renewed calls for an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in Syria. In a post on X, Pedersen stressed the need to preserve civil peace and avoid retaliatory violence, emphasizing that the only path to stability lies in a 'credible, orderly, and inclusive' political transition. . @GeirOPedersen 1/2 Spoke with interim FM Shibani last night. Grave concerns over continued violence and targeting of civilians. Urged restraint, protection of all communities, and accountability. — UN Special Envoy for Syria (@UNEnvoySyria) July 18, 2025 The Envoy urged Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in a phone call to protect all communities amid rising tensions. . @GeirOPedersen 2/2 Stability and civil peace must prevail. Reprisals must be avoided. Israel's provocative violations must stop now. Credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria must be the priority. — UN Special Envoy for Syria (@UNEnvoySyria) July 18, 2025 His remarks follow fighting in Suwayda, where Bedouin tribal forces and armed factions loyal to Druze cleric Hikmat al-Hijri have been locked in deadly fighting.