The Lebanese government temporarily banned Iranian planes from landing, sparking protests led by Hezbollah officials, including Ghaleb Abu Zeinab. He criticized the government’s actions and urged Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to maintain strong ties with Iran. Efforts to repatriate Lebanese passengers stranded in Iran faced complications as Iranian authorities denied landing rights to Lebanese flights amidst Israel’s threats against Iranian planes.
Hezbollah Politburo member Ghaleb Abu Zeinab emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relations between Lebanon and Iran during an interview with al-Manar’s TV channel. This statement follows protests triggered by Lebanon’s government temporarily banning Iranian planes from landing at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. Abu Zeinab criticized the government’s response to the incident involving an Iranian aircraft carrying Lebanese passengers, urging a more balanced approach towards both Iran and the United States.
The Lebanese Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced a temporary rescheduling of flights, including those from Iran, to implement additional security measures until February 18. This decision led to significant public dissent as demonstrators blocked roads and set fires to protest. In the aftermath, authorities initiated efforts to repatriate stranded Lebanese passengers from Iran using Middle East Airlines flights.
While Lebanon attempted to send its national airliner to evacuate Lebanese citizens from Iran, Iranian authorities denied the aircraft the right to land. Foreign Minister Joe Raggi assured that the Foreign Ministry was working to resolve this issue with Iran. Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, mentioned Tehran’s readiness to facilitate evacuation flights, contingent upon Lebanon allowing Iranian planes to operate freely.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions, with Israel threatening Iranian planes accessing Lebanese airspace. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, condemned these threats, highlighting their disruption of standard flight operations. He criticized Israel’s actions as violations of international law and Lebanese sovereignty, reflecting the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding this situation.
The conflict surrounding Lebanese-Iranian flights has revealed underlying tensions in Lebanon’s foreign relations, particularly concerning the influence of the United States and Israel. Hezbollah officials have called for a balanced approach to foreign policy, advocating for stronger ties with Iran. As Lebanon navigates this challenge, its government’s subsequent actions will play a crucial role in shaping its international standing and internal stability.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
