Lebanon’s Diplomatic Struggles with Iran Amid Protests and Tensions

Hezbollah’s Ghaleb Abu Zeinab emphasized the importance of maintaining strong Lebanon-Iran relations following protests against a temporary ban on Iranian flights. The Lebanese government faced criticism for its decisions, prompting efforts to repatriate stranded citizens from Iran despite Israeli threats against Iranian planes. Ambassadors from both countries seek to restore flight operations amidst ongoing tensions.

Ghaleb Abu Zeinab, a member of Hezbollah’s Politburo, expressed in an interview with al-Manar’s TV station that maintaining strong relations with Iran is essential for Lebanon. This remark follows recent violent protests in response to the Lebanese government’s temporary ban on Iranian flights. Abu Zeinab criticized the government’s actions, stating, “The Lebanese government’s stance on what happened at the airport in Beirut following the refusal of an Iranian plane carrying Lebanese passengers to land was not correct and promising,” underlining the need for a balanced approach in foreign relations.

In light of the protests, where Lebanese citizens blocked roads leading to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, the Lebanese Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced a temporary rescheduling of certain flights, citing necessary security measures. In response to the disruption, the Lebanese government arranged two flights via Middle East Airlines to repatriate stranded Lebanese citizens from Iran, although Iran did not permit these flights to land.

Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, indicated that Tehran is working to resume flights between Lebanon and Iran. He noted that Iran would agree to the repatriation of Lebanese via Middle East Airlines, provided the Lebanese authorities did not inhibit Iranian flights. This diplomatic back-and-forth occurred amidst rising tensions over threats from Israel against Iranian aircraft landing in Lebanon.

Moreover, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei criticized Israel’s threats, asserting they jeopardized the normal flight operations to Beirut. He condemned Israel for its ongoing violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and international law. Notably, in a prior incident in September, the Lebanese Transport Ministry had barred an Iranian aircraft from entering its airspace following threats from Israel regarding potential force if the plane attempted to land.

The situation highlights the complex dynamics between Lebanon, Iran, and external influences, particularly from Israel. As protests erupted following the Lebanese government’s decision to ban Iranian flights, officials are calling for better diplomatic relations. The incidents underscore the need for Lebanon to navigate its foreign affairs carefully, balancing relations with both Iran and the United States while managing domestic public sentiment.

Original Source: en.mehrnews.com