Iran has prohibited Lebanese planes from repatriating citizens from Iran following a dispute that began when Lebanon blocked an Iranian flight amidst Israeli threats. Dozens of Lebanese remain stranded after travel arrangements were disrupted. Despite attempts by Lebanon to send its national airline for evacuations, Iran will not permit these planes to land unless their own flights are allowed to Beirut. The situation continues to escalate with protests and calls for sovereignty from Lebanese officials.
Iran has barred Lebanese planes from repatriating Lebanese citizens stranded in the country following a standoff sparked by an Israeli threat against an Iranian flight. These tensions arose after Lebanon prohibited an Iranian aircraft from landing in Beirut, citing concerns over allegations that Iran was using civilian flights to smuggle money to Hezbollah. Consequently, dozens of Lebanese citizens remain stranded in Iran after attending a religious pilgrimage, unable to return on Mahan Air due to this blockade.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s alleged threats against its passenger planes as a violation of international law. Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson for the ministry, referred to the Israeli military’s accusations against Iran for using civilian aircraft for illegal purposes as unjustified. The Israeli military spokesman, Avichay Adraee, indicated that Israel would take actions to prevent Hezbollah from obtaining arms through such means.
In response to the crisis, Lebanon sent two Middle East Airlines planes to retrieve the stranded citizens; however, Iranian authorities denied permission for these flights to land. Iran’s ambassador to Beirut emphasized that Lebanese flights could only land if Iranian planes were also allowed entry into Lebanon.
Lebanese officials are working to resolve the situation, with calls from Hezbollah representatives urging the government to assert sovereignty over its airports. Protests erupted in response to the airspace disputes, including road blockages around Beirut’s airport.
In a previous instance, the Lebanese transport ministry had prohibited an Iranian aircraft from entering its airspace after receiving warnings from Israel regarding potential forceful interventions if the plane attempted to land.
The ongoing standoff between Iran and Lebanon over flight permissions has resulted in a humanitarian issue, with many Lebanese citizens stranded in Iran. Tensions continue to escalate due to mutual accusations and the involvement of external threats, particularly from Israel, regarding potential arms smuggling connected to Hezbollah. Resolution efforts remain under consideration by both governments amidst rising tensions and public protests.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
