Iran Reopens Eastern Skies to Civilian Flights, Imposes Strict Conditions

Iran has partially reopened its airspace to civilian aviation for the first time since late February, according to a report from TASS citing a source in Middle Eastern air traffic control services. The move applies only to the country's eastern airspace, while the western sector remains closed.

The reopening comes with stringent operational rules. Pilots must identify their aircraft five minutes before entering Iranian airspace and establish contact with controllers in a neighboring country five minutes before exiting it. These temporary procedures are reportedly set to remain in effect for one week, until the morning of April 25th.

The development occurs amid heightened regional tensions. Earlier, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, dismissed recent statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump about negotiations with Tehran as false. Ghalibaf also confirmed the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

Separately, The Wall Street Journal reports that a new round of talks between the U.S. and Iran could potentially take place on April 20th in Pakistan, though an official date has not been confirmed. The limited reopening of airspace marks a cautious shift, but the continued closure of key areas underscores the fragile and complex situation.