Epress.am News from Armenia
In an incident that could have serious diplomatic consequences, Iran temporarily refused to allow German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s plane to enter its airspace on Tuesday. The plane reportedly had to circle over Turkey for two hours before being given permission to enter, NDTV (New Delhi Television) reports.
Merkel was on her way to India for an official visit. She arrived late in New Delhi on Tuesday morning as a result of the delay. The plane had a large delegation on board.
The government aircraft was denied overflight rights in the early hours of Tuesday. The exact reason for the denial of overflight rights is unclear. But before the plane left Berlin on Monday evening, it was reportedly given permission by Iranian authorities.
Germany along with the US and its other allies in NATO has long been at loggerheads with Iran essentially over its nuclear arms policy and alleged support for terror.