Hezbollah’s Ghaleb Abu Zeinab criticized the Lebanese government’s ban on Iranian planes, emphasizing the need for better relations with Iran. Protests erupted following the ban, leading to the organization of flights for stranded Lebanese in Iran. Iran’s ambassador expressed readiness to resume flights if the Lebanese authority allows Iranian planes. This situation is exacerbated by Israeli threats against Iranian aircraft in Lebanese airspace.
Ghaleb Abu Zeinab, a member of the Hezbollah Politburo, expressed concerns regarding the Lebanese government’s recent decision to ban Iranian planes from landing at the Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. He articulated this stance during an interview with al-Manar TV, emphasizing that Lebanon’s actions were not conducive to fostering good relations with Iran.
Abu Zeinab stressed the significance of maintaining strong ties with Iran for Lebanon’s overall benefit. He called upon Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to pursue a balanced diplomatic approach toward both Iran and the United States, warning against yielding to U.S. pressures.
In light of security concerns, Lebanon’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced the temporary rescheduling of flights, including those from Iran, until February 18. This decision ignited protests, with demonstrators blocking roads leading to the airport and setting fires in opposition to the government’s actions.
Following the incident involving the rejection of the Iranian aircraft, Lebanon organized two Middle East Airlines flights to repatriate stranded Lebanese citizens in Iran. However, Iranian authorities denied the Lebanese flights the right to land, complicating the evacuation.
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, Joe Raggi, communicated that efforts were ongoing to negotiate with Iran to resolve this issue. Meanwhile, Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, mentioned that Tehran is eager to resume flights and that a substitute aircraft could be arranged if Lebanese authorities refrained from blocking Iranian flights in the future.
These developments occurred amid rising tensions due to Israeli threats directed at Iranian aircraft attempting to land in Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned these threats, accusing Israel of violating international protocols and infringing on Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Historically, Lebanon’s Transport Ministry had barred an Iranian plane from entering its airspace following Israel’s warnings of potential forceful intervention, highlighting the sensitive nature of this geopolitical issue.
Maintaining favorable relations with Iran is crucial for Lebanon, as emphasized by Hezbollah’s Ghaleb Abu Zeinab. The recent tensions surrounding the ban on Iranian flights have sparked protests and demonstrated the complexity of Lebanon’s geopolitical landscape. Ongoing efforts by Lebanese officials to negotiate with Iran reflect the importance of balanced diplomacy amid pressures from external forces, particularly Israel.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
