GG News Bureau
Tehran, 13th June: As Israel launched a wave of pre-dawn airstrikes across Iran on Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and military commanders, a dramatic time-lapse video from Flightradar24 vividly captured the immediate impact in the skies: a total clearance of civilian air traffic over Iranian airspace.
The footage reveals a rapid and dramatic shift, showing commercial aircraft swiftly rerouting to avoid Israeli drones and missiles. Within moments of the strikes, the country’s airspace became virtually deserted, offering a rare visual testament to how conflict can instantly reshape global aviation patterns. Commercial aircraft could be seen curving away from Iranian territory in real-time, opting for alternative corridors.
This time-lapse of air traffic over the Middle East shows how civilian airspace cleared after Israel’s operation against Iran began. pic.twitter.com/aap8ilC2MI
— Brady Africk (@bradyafr) June 13, 2025
This mass diversion is expected to trigger a ripple effect on international aviation, potentially leading to longer flight durations, widespread delays, and increased fuel costs for multiple carriers operating in and out of the Middle East and Asia.
The exodus of aircraft began shortly after Israel initiated its series of strikes on Friday morning, an operation the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has dubbed “Operation Rising Lion.” The IDF confirmed the operation, stating it targeted nuclear sites in Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran during the strikes, and Iranian state television later confirmed that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chief Hossein Salami was among those killed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted the operation was necessary due to Iran posing a threat to “Israel’s very survival.” He claimed, “We targeted Iran’s leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb, we also struck the heart of Iran’s ballistic missile programme.” Quoting an IDF spokesperson, Fox News reported that the strike was launched after Jerusalem gathered “high-quality intel” indicating “Iran is closer than ever to developing a nuke.”
Iranian state television reported explosions in the capital, Tehran, and stated that air defense systems were operating at full capacity. However, reports of civilian casualties, including children, remain unverified.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, immediately declared a state of emergency, warning of imminent retaliation from Tehran. “Following the State of Israel’s pre-emptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Katz stated.
The escalating tensions immediately impacted global markets, with oil prices spiking as much as 6 percent in early trading following the airstrikes, driven by fears of broader regional destabilization.
While Iran has accused the United States of supporting Israel’s action, US President Donald Trump has denied any direct involvement. Speaking to Fox News, Trump acknowledged being briefed ahead of the strike but reiterated Washington’s stance that Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear bomb.
