Iran and Israel began trading missiles and airstrikes on Saturday, the day after Israel launched a sweeping air offensive against its old enemy, killing commanders and scientists and bombing nuclear sites in a stated bid to stop it building an atomic weapon.

Airlines steered clear of much of the Middle East on Friday after the Israeli attacks forced carriers to cancel or divert thousands of flights in the latest upheaval to travel in the region.

Azerbaijan closed its land border with Iran and other neighbours in spring 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The land crossings remain closed despite the World Health Organisation ending the global emergency status in 2023. The country can be entered only by air but foreigners may leave it via land crossings.

--Reuters--