Iran Reopens Airspace, Signals Pause on Executions as U.N. Takes Up Crisis

Overview

• Iran lifted a temporary NOTAM that shut most airspace for several hours, forcing diversions and cancellations, as Germany advised airlines to avoid the route.
• The Iranian judiciary said detainee Erfan Soltani was not sentenced to death and that the charges he faces do not carry the death penalty, after NGOs had warned of an imminent execution.
• Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Fox News there would be no executions “today or tomorrow,” casting the move as part of efforts to calm tensions.
• The U.N. Security Council meets Thursday at U.S. request to address the crackdown and the risk of escalation after days of warnings and military precautions.
• Sources told Reuters the U.S. reduced the alert level at Al‑Udeid Air Base with some aircraft and personnel returning, as rights groups report thousands killed and the nationwide internet blackout continues; Iran has warned it would target U.S. bases in the region if attacked.