Hezbollah official Ghaleb Abu Zeinab criticized the Lebanese government’s temporary flight ban on Iran. Protests ensued, with citizens blocking roads to the airport. The Lebanese government is facilitating the return of stranded nationals from Iran, while Iran seeks to restore flight operations, calling for an end to blockades by Lebanese authorities. Israeli threats complicate the situation further.
In a recent interview with al-Manar’s TV channel, Ghaleb Abu Zeinab, a member of Hezbollah’s Politburo, criticized the Lebanese government for its handling of an Iranian flight situation. Protests erupted along the roads to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport following the government’s temporary ban on Iranian planes. Abu Zeinab stated that maintaining strong relations with Iran is crucial for Lebanon’s interests and urged Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to pursue balanced relations with both Iran and the United States, rather than yielding to U.S. pressure.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Lebanon stated that it had temporarily rescheduled flights from Iran as of Thursday, citing the need for additional security measures. This decision sparked unrest among Lebanese citizens, who protested by blocking roads to the airport and burning tires. Post-protests, Lebanese authorities began efforts to repatriate stranded nationals in Iran using Middle East Airlines, though Iran denied entry for Lebanese planes intended for this purpose.
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Joe Raggi announced that diplomatic efforts were underway to resolve flight issues with Iran. In a televised address, Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, indicated Tehran’s willingness to restore flight operations between the two nations, provided that Lebanese authorities cease blocking Iranian flights. This ongoing situation is further complicated by Israeli threats against Iranian aviation near Lebanese airspace, highlighting the regional tensions exacerbating the bilateral relations.
Israeli officials have made statements warning against the landing of Iranian passenger planes in Lebanon, characterizing these threats as violations of international law. Esmaeil Baghaei, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, condemned these Israeli actions as obstructive, asserting that they disrupt normal air travel to Beirut. The increasing friction between these nations continues to pose challenges for Lebanon’s aviation policies and its diplomatic relations with Iran.
The situation surrounding Iranian flights to Lebanon has provoked significant public discontent, indicating a notable divergence between the Lebanese government’s decisions and public sentiment. Both Hezbollah and Iranian officials emphasize the importance of nurturing relations with Iran to safeguard Lebanon’s interests. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to resolve the flight ban and ensure the safe return of stranded Lebanese citizens from Iran, amidst regional tensions involving Israel.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
