UPDATES WITH EU'S AVIATION SAFETY AGENCY WARNING; REVISES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE
By Melike Pala
BRUSSELS (AA) - The EU's aviation safety authority issued a warning on Saturday over the Middle East and Persian Gulf, citing a high risk to civil aviation due to joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) urging air operators not to fly within the affected airspace at any flight level or altitude.
The bulletin is initially valid until March 2, and will be reviewed based on developments.
The warning follows early Saturday US strikes on Iran over alleged threats from the "Iranian regime," with video statements released by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The attacks came as talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing under Oman’s mediation. A new round of talks in Geneva ended on Thursday.
Israel also initiated a 12-day war on Iran last June, with the US joining later and bombing three Iranian nuclear sites.
EASA said that retaliatory measures targeting US and Israeli assets are likely to extend risks beyond Iranian airspace to neighboring countries hosting foreign military bases or affected by military operations, including interceptions.
"The possession of all-altitude capable air-defense systems, cruise and ballistic missiles and the use of air assets capable to operate at all-altitudes, including interception capability make the entire affected airspace vulnerable to spill-over risks, misidentification, miscalculation and failure of interception procedures," the agency said.
Air operators are urged to avoid the affected airspace entirely and to monitor developments closely.
"The latest developments across the Middle East are perilous," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote on US social media platform X following the strikes, adding that "Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs, as well as its support for armed groups, pose a serious threat to global security."
She said the EU has adopted "strong sanctions" against Iran while continuing to support diplomatic efforts, including negotiations related to the nuclear issue.
Kallas added that she has held talks with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, as well as other ministers in the region, noting that the EU is also coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic pathways.
"Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority. Our consular network is fully engaged in facilitating departures for EU citizens," Kallas said.
She noted that non-essential EU personnel are being withdrawn amid rising tensions.
The EU's Aspides naval mission remains on high alert in the Red Sea and stands ready to help keep the vital maritime corridor open, Kallas added.