Iran has prevented Lebanese planes from returning stranded citizens amidst tensions over alleged Israeli threats to Iranian flights. Lebanon barred an Iranian flight after accusations of arms smuggling to Hezbollah. The situation has left many Lebanese pilgrimage attendees stranded, prompting negotiations between Iran and Lebanon on flight permissions.
Iran has prohibited Lebanese planes from repatriating Lebanese nationals stranded in Iran. This development follows Lebanon’s earlier decision to block an Iranian civilian flight due to alleged threats from Israel to attack the aircraft. The situation escalated as Lebanon grounded the flight after Israel accused Iran of using civilian planes to transport cash to Hezbollah in Beirut.
As a result of the standoff, dozens of Lebanese citizens have been left stranded in Iran for three days. These individuals were part of a religious pilgrimage and were scheduled to return on Iran’s Mahan Air, which was denied landing rights by Lebanon. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized Israel’s actions, calling the military’s threats a breach of international law.
In response to the situation, Lebanese officials attempted to facilitate the return of stranded citizens by sending two planes from Middle East Airlines to pick them up in Iran. However, Iran refused to allow these Lebanese aircraft to land until its own flights were permitted entry into Beirut. Iran’s ambassador to Beirut stated accommodations would be made only with reciprocal landings allowed for Iranian flights.
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister has indicated that negotiations are ongoing to resolve this impasse with Iran. In parallel, Hezbollah has voiced calls for the Lebanese government to ensure sovereignty over its airport, even as protests erupted with supporters blocking roads near the airport. This incident follows Lebanon’s previous directive to bar Iranian aircraft from its airspace based on Israeli threats of potential military action.
This recent diplomatic standoff between Iran and Lebanon highlights ongoing tensions influenced by regional power dynamics and concerns over arms transfers to Hezbollah. The situation has put many Lebanese nationals in a precarious position, caught between conflicting national interests. As both countries navigate this crisis, the importance of bilateral agreements and diplomatic negotiations remains paramount to resolving such conflicts in the future.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
