Iran denounced threats made by Israel against its passenger aircraft and called on Beirut to eliminate any hindrances
A spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry has condemned Israel's alleged threat against a passenger aircraft carrying Lebanese citizens, labeling it as a flagrant breach of international law and an infringement on Lebanon's sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Friday, Esmaeil Baghaei condemned what he described as a disruptive threat by the Israeli regime toward a passenger aircraft, asserting that it has significantly interfered with the regular flight operations at Beirut Airport.
Following the cancellation of two scheduled civilian flights from Iran to Lebanon, he issued a statement addressing the situation.
The Lebanese Roads Minister has announced the cancellation of the flight, following allegations from the Israeli government that the aircraft was allegedly transporting funds to the Hezbollah resistance movement.
An Iranian spokesperson has urged international bodies, notably the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to take decisive action to halt what they describe as perilous Israeli activities that jeopardize the safety and security of Iran’s aviation sector.
Protests erupted in the vicinity of Beirut International Airport following the decision to deny landing rights to Iranian flights.
In a significant demonstration on Thursday night, a sizable crowd gathered near Beirut’s International Airport, obstructing both the airport’s entrance and the neighboring international road. Protesters set tires ablaze and vocally expressed their opposition to the United States and Israel through chants.
Tensions escalated as Lebanese military personnel engaged in clashes while attempting to clear the roadway.
Iran Rejects Lebanon’s Proposal for Alternate Flight Routes: Ambassador
Iran’s Ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, stated on Friday that Tehran has declined the Lebanese government’s proposal of alternative flight arrangements for Iranian aircraft.
The Lebanese government is exploring options to accommodate Iranian airline operations while maintaining existing routes. “While we support the initiation of Lebanese airline services to Iran, it should not come at the expense of current Iranian flights,” a spokesperson stated.
He stressed that Iran would be willing to endorse the Lebanese government’s proposal, provided that Beirut refrains from imposing any restrictions on Iranian airlines.
The envoy highlighted ongoing negotiations between the two nations aimed at reaching a mutual agreement.
He reported that the flight cancellations left Lebanese passengers, predominantly pilgrims, stranded at Tehran airport. Additionally, Lebanese individuals who had planned to travel to Iran for pilgrimage were unable to proceed with their journey.
Amani observed that the cancellation of Iranian flights coincided with threats from the Israeli government towards Lebanon. The Lebanese populace, focused on preserving their sovereignty, firmly rejects external directives, particularly from the Israeli authorities, which they regard as illegitimate.
He stated that the situation was “unacceptable” and warned that it could spark public demonstrations.
The Iranian ambassador conveyed optimism regarding a swift resolution to the issue and called for careful consideration and action by the Lebanese government to achieve this outcome.
