Iran’s Lebanon ambassador, Mojtaba Amani, has accused unnamed European countries of connections to recent pager attacks in Lebanon, which resulted in numerous casualties. He denied that the devices originated from Iran and asserted that investigations are underway regarding the potential manufacturing and involvement of European entities. The incident has heightened tensions amid ongoing Israeli military operations against Hezbollah, which has also faced scrutiny over its procurement processes.
Mojtaba Amani, Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, has publicly accused several European nations of having connections to a series of fatal pager attacks that recently occurred in Lebanon, while firmly denying that the related devices were procured from Iran or employed for military purposes. This accusation follows a devastating incident on September 17, when numerous pagers, predominantly belonging to Hezbollah affiliates, exploded, leading to 37 fatalities and injuries to over 3,000 individuals. Amani’s assertions reflect a broader narrative of accountability attributed to foreign nations in the context of the reported war crimes. The escalated tensions stem from a public acknowledgment by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding his orders for these strikes. Amani stated, “Several European countries are accused of involvement in this operation when they [the devices] passed through them and the explosives were planted in them.” Moreover, inquiries are ongoing in Bulgaria and Norway, while a Hungarian company is implicated in the manufacturing of the detonated devices. Amani cited a narrative where the shipment of pagers could have potentially been tampered with at sea, allowing Israel to execute the attacks. In his statements, Amani has vehemently refuted claims that the pagers were purchased from Iran, elucidating that the devices trace back to Taiwan. Taiwanese authorities have completed their investigation, concluding no domestic involvement in the attacks. Amani further explained that Hezbollah procures pagers under specific regulations to comply with Lebanon’s telecommunications frameworks, alleging anomalies in state processes governing the importation of such devices. The September explosions were unprecedented and led to significant civilian casualties, intensifying an already volatile conflict trajectory due to Israel’s extensive military operations against Hezbollah. Many have raised questions regarding the nature of Amani’s possession of a pager intended for Hezbollah personnel, amidst allegations that Hezbollah acts as an Iranian proxy in regional conflicts. Amani condemned the use of explosives in civilian devices, categorically stating, “The use of explosives and military materials in civilian devices is prohibited and considered a war crime.” He also emphasized that Hezbollah has distributed these pagers across various civilian sectors, countering claims of their military functionality. Likening their function to civilian alert systems lacking in Lebanon, he shared a personal incident regarding the device explosion that resulted in his injuries. As Lebanon endures the aftermath of these traumatic events, Amani reaffirmed, “The strike that Netanyahu wanted to deliver with such malice [and a] crime war failed,” illustrating Hezbollah’s resilience in the face of attacks. In response, Lebanon’s caretaker Labour Minister filed a complaint against Israel at the United Nations International Labour Organization, emphasizing the need for international accountability amidst the tragic fallout of the explosions.
The backdrop of this narrative centers on an alarming set of explosions involving pagers primarily associated with Hezbollah personnel in Lebanon. The allegations from Iranian officials emerge amidst escalated military tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which have historically manifested in conflict. The broader implications of these attacks highlight the roles that foreign nations may play in regional security challenges and the ongoing struggles over sovereignty and agency within Lebanon. As investigations unfold across various European countries, the international community is taking note of the allegations against Israel and potential collusion by other states, pointing to a complex web of geopolitical dynamics.
In conclusion, the claims made by Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon underscore a multifaceted crisis involving allegations of foreign complicity in deadly attacks on civilians. Amani’s denials about Iranian involvement in the production and use of pagers for military purposes, coupled with the investigations into European entities, set the stage for a renewed discourse on international accountability, particularly in the context of escalating violence and civilian safety in Lebanon. The tragic September attacks serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflicts in the region and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
