Iran Blocks Lebanese Flights Amid Standoff Following Israeli Threats
Iran has barred Lebanese planes from repatriating stranded citizens after Lebanon blocked an Iranian flight due to alleged Israeli threats. This standoff has left many Lebanese travelers stuck in Iran, prompting diplomatic dialogues between Iran and Lebanon to resolve the issue.
Iran has prohibited Lebanese aircraft from repatriating dozens of stranded Lebanese nationals, following a diplomatic altercation triggered by an Israeli threat against an Iranian civilian flight. This incident arose after Lebanon barred an Iranian plane from landing in Beirut, amid Israeli accusations that Iran was using such flights to transport funds to Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group.
In response to Lebanon’s actions, Iranian officials stated that Lebanese flights would not be allowed to land in Iran until Iranian aircraft were permitted to operate freely in Beirut. The situation has left many Lebanese, who had visited Iran for religious purposes, stranded after their return flight was canceled.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli threat as a breach of international law, highlighting the critical nature of the situation. The Israeli military asserted that Iran’s Quds Force has utilized civilian flights for its operations, and it vowed to restrict arms trafficking to Hezbollah.
Although Lebanon attempted to resolve the matter by sending its national airline, Middle East Airlines, to retrieve its citizens, Iran’s refusal to permit landing hindered these efforts. Iran’s ambassador to Beirut indicated that Iranian flights must first be allowed access to Beirut before any Lebanese aircraft could safely land in Iran.
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister stated that discussions with Iranian officials are ongoing to find a resolution. Concurrently, Hezbollah representatives urged the Lebanese government to assert sovereignty over its airports to prevent further disruptions. Some Hezbollah supporters protested by obstructing roads around Beirut’s airport, emphasizing the escalating tensions surrounding the incident.
The diplomatic standstill between Iran and Lebanon arises from mutual accusations and threats, following Israel’s involvement concerning flight safety. The situation has resulted in numerous Lebanese citizens being stranded in Iran, as both nations navigated their respective demands. An immediate resolution appears contingent on negotiations regarding flight permissions between the two governments to ensure citizen safety and uphold sovereignty. As developments unfold, the underlying geopolitical tensions continue to impact humanitarian concerns, highlighting the complex interplay of regional rivalries and national interests.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
