Iran has denied a landing request from Lebanon’s MEA, leading to stranded passengers. Protests erupted in response, with public condemnation of the Lebanese government’s decision. Israel accused Iran’s Quds Force and Hezbollah of using Beirut’s airport for smuggling, which Hezbollah denied, calling for international intervention against Israel’s actions.
Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority has denied a request from Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines (MEA) to allow two aircraft to land in Tehran, stating that the procedure must go through Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry according to bilateral agreements. The MEA’s request reached the Lebanese embassy in Tehran while the ambassador was preparing an official communication to Iran’s Foreign Ministry for approval, yet the holiday in Iran could delay this process.
The request denial resulted in significant disruptions, stranding hundreds of Lebanese passengers at Tehran’s airport for over four hours. Their scheduled Iran Air flight to Beirut was canceled after landing clearances were not granted. Furthermore, a Beirut airport official confirmed that Iran’s Mahan Air was notified that two of its flights to Beirut were not allowed to land, with postponements scheduled for the following week.
In reaction to the situation, protesters in Beirut blocked roads near the airport, expressing dissatisfaction with the Lebanese government’s decision as an infringement on national sovereignty. Tensions were further exacerbated by Israeli military claims that Iran’s Quds Force and Hezbollah have misused Beirut’s airport for smuggling funds related to Hezbollah’s military activities against Israel.
Hezbollah responded to these accusations by condemning Israel for escalating violations of Lebanese sovereignty and characterized the actions of the international community, particularly the U.S., as complicit. They called for a worldwide denunciation of Israel’s behavior and urged international organizations to take action.
This recent aviation conflict follows an incident where Lebanese authorities inspected an Iranian aircraft carrying a diplomatic mission, igniting political discourse about sovereignty and international relations. This issue not only highlights tensions between Iran and Lebanon but also reflects wider geopolitical concerns in the region.
The ongoing aviation dispute between Iran and Lebanon has underscored significant diplomatic tensions and raised issues of national sovereignty. Protests near Beirut’s airport indicate public dissatisfaction with government decisions. The situation also reflects broader geopolitical dynamics involving Iran, Hezbollah, and Israeli claims, calling attention to the complexities of regional security and international diplomacy.
Original Source: shafaq.com
