Abu Dhabi, 2 August 2024 (TDI): The UAE’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on diplomatic efforts to counter the rising conflict in the Middle East.
During the phone call, the top officials also discussed ways to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and increase humanitarian assistance to the enclave.
Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the significance of putting an end to extremism and halting escalating tensions and violence in the region, which threaten regional and international peace and security.
Tension has risen after twelve people were killed recently in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.
While Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the attack, Israel has vowed a tough response.
This comes amid the assassination of Hamas’ political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which has exacerbated the already tense situation in the region.
Moreover, Airlines are avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace and canceling flights to Israel and Lebanon, as concerns grow over a possible conflict in the region after the assassination of senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah this week.
Singapore Airlines stopped flying through Iranian airspace from early Friday morning and is using alternative routes, saying safety is its topmost priority.
China Airlines and Taiwan’s EVA Air also appeared to be avoiding Iran airspace for flights to Amsterdam on Friday which previously had flown over Iran.
Many airlines, including US and European airlines, already avoid flying over Iran, particularly since the reciprocal missile and drone strikes in April between Iran and Israel.
Singapore Airlines’ flight to London Heathrow airport early on Friday went north of Iran through Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, instead of crossing through Iran as it did the day before.
However, a notable number of airlines on Friday were still flying over Iran, including United Arab Emirates (UAE) carriers Etihad, Emirates and FlyDubai, as well as Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways.
