Iraq temporarily halts flights to Iran

Baghdad International Airport temporarily suspended flights to Iran early Thursday following Iran’s announcement of military exercises, sources told Al Jazeera. The precautionary move was aimed at ensuring passenger safety.

According to Iraqi media, the suspension came after precision ballistic missiles were launched over Iran’s Khuzestan province during the drills, which were intended to boost military readiness.

An Iraqi flight bound for Tehran was prevented from taking off, with passengers disembarked, sources said. At present, no flights are operating from Baghdad to Iran.

Iranian media reports indicate that the missile exercises over Khuzestan were designed to enhance defensive preparedness.