Egypt's Civil Aviation Ministry has ordered airlines to avoid Iranian airspace for three hours on Thursday due to military exercises announced by Tehran.

This directive aims to mitigate flight safety risks based on warnings from Iranian authorities.

All flight plans over Tehran will be rejected as part of this safety notice.

The unusual directive from Egypt's civil aviation authority comes amid rising speculation about a potential Iranian attack on Israel.

Tensions in the region have escalated following the assassinations of key militant leaders, raising fears of a larger conflict involving Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas against Israel.

In response to these tensions, many airlines are revising their flight schedules to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace, with some canceling flights to Israel and Lebanon.

Jordan has also taken precautionary measures, advising incoming aircraft to carry an additional 45 minutes of fuel for possible diversions.

The NOTAM issued by Egypt is effective from 01:00 to 04:00 GMT, prohibiting flights from overflying Tehran.

This airspace restriction coincides with Iranian military exercises scheduled to occur on August 7 and 8.

Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of being responsible for recent violent incidents, although Israel has not confirmed or denied involvement.

The request for airspace avoidance comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the death of a Hamas leader, attributed to Israel.

The Egyptian ministry has communicated this warning to all commercial airlines, although there has been no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities.