As Trump eyes possible Iran exit strategy, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey push for restraint
Subscribe for as low as
$2/week
to access this story and all reporting.
By entering your email, you agree to receive AL-MONITOR's daily newsletter and occasional marketing messages.
Why AL-MONITOR?
AL-MONITOR is an award-winning media outlet covering the Middle East, valued for its independence, diversity and analysis. It is read widely by US, international and Middle East decision makers at the highest levels, as well as by media, thought and business leaders and academia.
Read by
Live news & notifications
Follow over 100 expert journalists based across the region and get notified in real time of breaking stories and exclusives. *Expanded coverage on Energy & Defense sectors.
Premier analysis of the Middle East
Access the sharpest and most diverse regional minds giving you all the angles on regional trends.
Live events & video
Priority access to roundtables, summits and other events alongside AL-MONITOR's global community of regional influencers.
Specialized Newsletters
Get timely reporting on key countries and sectors with up to 10 daily and weekly newsletters straight to your inbox.
Big, exclusive interviews
Follow conversations with the region's biggest names in politics and business.
AL-MONITOR archives since 2012
Access a repository of over a decade's worth of regional coverage, insights and trends.
Subscribe for unlimited access
By becoming an AL-MONITOR subscriber, you drive our team’s rigorous and independent journalism spanning the Middle East.
As Trump eyes possible Iran exit strategy, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey push for restraint
Iran’s airspace has reopened after a brief closure as Trump softens rhetoric on military action, while authorities report a slowdown in anti-regime protests amid a nationwide internet blackout and a harsh crackdown.
Iran’s airspace reopened Thursday after a temporary closure the day before, as US President Donald Trump appeared to ease rhetoric around an imminent attack against the country over the violent crackdown unleashed against nationwide anti-regime protests.
The Iranian Civil Aviation Organization said in a Thursday morning statement cited by state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) that the airspace was now open to all transit, incoming and outgoing flights, with airports resuming full passenger services.
— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) January 15, 2026
Iran issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) closing its airspace to all flights from1:45 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. Thursday local time (10:15 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. GMT) allowing only international civil arrivals and departures with prior authorization from the country’s Civil Aviation Authority.
The NOTAM came amid anticipation of possible US military action against Iran, as Trump repeatedly threatened to strike the country if the killings of protesters continued. Reuters reported Thursday that some personnel who had been temporarily withdrawn from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Wednesday have begun returning to the base.
You're reading a free AL-MONITOR Original
Want more like this?
AL-MONITOR All-Access gives you unlimited access to all our journalism, the full Daily Briefing, exclusive interviews, premium newsletters, and live events — for less than $2/week.