EU aviation safety agency advises airlines to avoid Iranian, Iraqi and Lebanese airspace through Aug. 31

BEIRUT — The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said Wednesday that airlines should not fly over the airspace of Iran, Iraq and Lebanon until Aug. 31 due to ongoing tensions and the risk of further military action. The announcement came shortly before U.S. President Donald Trump stated in Ankara that the memorandum of understanding with Iran was "over."

In its bulletin, the agency also said it had withdrawn its previous notice, which had also recommended that airlines exercise caution when operating in the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. It was not yet clear if new guidance would be issued for those countries.

EASA assessed that the implementation of the cease-fire between the United States and Iran remains fragile, and explained that its decision was based on "the high and persistent level of tensions, as well as the risk of further military action." If the current truce were to collapse, Iranian airspace would likely face "imminent threats," the European agency added.