Iran has closed portions of its airspace as reports emerge that the United States is preparing for potential military strikes while maintaining ongoing diplomatic signaling with Tehran.
According to a newly issued Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), identified as OIIX A1010/26, all airports in the western portion of the Tehran Flight Information Region are closed to operations except for a limited number of facilities operating only during daylight hours.
The restriction, effective from Friday, May 22 at 20:46Z until Monday, May 25 at 08:30Z, applies broadly to civil aviation activity, with only designated airports permitted to operate between sunrise and sunset under strict conditions.
According to the NOTAM, all prior operator permissions have been suspended, and new approvals must be obtained from Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority for IFR passenger operations at the affected airports.
The measure affects key regional airports while maintaining limited daytime activity at selected sites, including OITR, OIKK, OIAA, OISS, OIYY, OICC, OIGG, and OIAW.
Iran closes airspace
As of May 23, 2026, live flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows a notable disruption in civilian air traffic over and around Iran, following reports of the NOTAM.
The map indicates a significant reduction and rerouting of commercial aircraft activity across Iranian airspace, with visible flight paths bending around the country’s western, central, and eastern corridors.
Instead of crossing Iran directly, most aircraft appear to be diverting north through the Caspian corridor, south via Gulf air routes, or further east toward Central Asia.
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The timing of the restriction comes as U.S. military and intelligence officials reportedly adjust operational posture in anticipation of possible developments involving Iran.
CBS News, citing multiple sources with direct knowledge of the planning, reported that the Trump administration is preparing for a fresh round of military strikes against Iran. However, no final decision had been made as of Friday afternoon.
The report also indicated that some U.S. military and intelligence personnel canceled Memorial Day weekend plans in anticipation of potential operational requirements.
At the same time, defense officials began updating recall rosters for overseas installations as part of broader contingency readiness measures.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, speaking to CBS News, reiterated that President Donald Trump has “made his redlines abundantly clear: Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon, and they cannot keep their enriched uranium.”
Kelly added that “the President always maintains all options at all times,” stressing that military readiness is part of standard planning procedures for the Pentagon while diplomatic efforts continue.
A temporary ceasefire reached earlier in the year had reduced confrontations.
However, intelligence assessments cited in recent reports suggest continued concern in Washington over Iran’s nuclear trajectory and regional military positioning.
The IRGC-affiliated media outlet Tasnim, citing a military source, on Friday reported that Iran’s armed forces are preparing for a potential resumption of war with the U.S.
According to the report, Iranian forces have prepared a new “third struggle” plan that will target Washington and American allies in a “new and specific” way.
Crucial security meeting as Trump changes schedule
President Trump met with senior national security officials on Friday morning as he weighs whether to resume military strikes on Iran.
Sources told Axios that Trump is seriously considering new strikes unless negotiations produce a last-minute breakthrough.
Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, and others attended the meeting.
Trump later changed his weekend schedule, returning to Washington instead of Bedminster and saying he would remain at the White House during “this important period of time.”
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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued warnings this week that further strikes on Iranian territory by either the United States or Israel could expand the conflict beyond the Middle East, raising concerns over wider regional escalation.
Tehran is also reviewing a U.S.-backed proposal aimed at reviving negotiations over its nuclear program.
According to officials cited in U.S. reporting, the proposal was delivered with a warning that rejection could trigger renewed military action.
President Trump, speaking publicly, stated that “Iran is dying to make a deal,” while also signaling that a short window remained for diplomatic progress.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in separate remarks to reporters, said Washington is awaiting Iran’s response through intermediary channels, noting that diplomatic communication has involved regional partners facilitating indirect exchanges.
Rubio added that the administration prefers a negotiated outcome but acknowledged that contingency planning remains active.
He also referenced broader strategic discussions with NATO allies on maritime security routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy flows.
The Secretary of State described contingency options as a “Plan B” should diplomatic efforts fail.
In Washington, legislative efforts to constrain presidential war powers regarding Iran have reportedly stalled, with House Republicans abandoning a proposed vote after concluding they lacked sufficient support to advance restrictions on executive military authority.
