Hezbollah leader Ghaleb Abu Zeinab condemned the Lebanese government’s temporary ban on Iranian flights. Protests erupted at Beirut’s airport, leading to roadblocks and tire burnings. Hezbollah emphasized the necessity for Lebanon to maintain fair relations with Iran and called on the government to resist U.S. mandates. Iranian authorities have expressed readiness to restore flights, provided Lebanese compliance is met amid rising tensions with Israel.
A senior member of Hezbollah, Ghaleb Abu Zeinab, criticized the Lebanese government’s recent actions regarding an Iranian flight at Beirut’s airport. He stated that maintaining strong relations with Iran is essential for Lebanon’s interests, especially following protests sparked by the government’s suspension of Iranian flights. Abu Zeinab urged Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to pursue balanced ties with both Iran and the United States, arguing against the Lebanese government’s compliance with U.S. directives.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Lebanon announced a temporary rescheduling of flights from Iran as they implement increased security measures. Protests erupted at the airport, resulting in roadblocks and tire burnings by Lebanese citizens unhappy with the government’s decision. To address the situation, the Lebanese authorities coordinated efforts to repatriate passengers stranded in Iran using planes from Middle East Airlines.
In an attempt to resolve the situation, Lebanon dispatched two planes from Middle East Airlines to Iran, but these flights were denied landing permission. Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, highlighted Tehran’s willingness to restore flights if the Lebanese government allows Iranian planes to land. This incident escalates amid heightened tensions, including Israel’s threats towards Iranian aircraft connected to Lebanon.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry firmed its stance against Israel’s threats, condemning violations of international law and Lebanon’s sovereignty. Past requests from Lebanon’s Transport Ministry for Iranian aircraft to avoid the airspace have added to the difficult diplomatic landscape surrounding air travel between Iran and Lebanon.
The current crisis over Iranian flights highlights the delicate balance Lebanon must maintain in its international relations. With rising tensions involving Israel and the demands from both the U.S. and Iran, Lebanon’s government faces challenges in ensuring the safety of its citizens and honoring foreign collaborations. Hezbollah’s emphasis on the importance of maintaining good relations with Iran may influence Lebanon’s diplomatic strategies moving forward.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
