Iran has suspended all flights to Lebanon until February 18, 2024, following a request from Lebanese authorities due to security concerns. Protests erupted in Beirut over the refusal of an Iranian flight carrying Lebanese passengers, leading to clashes with police. Iran rejected Lebanon’s request for evacuation assistance, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining its flights.
On Sunday, Hossein Pour Farzaneh, the head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, announced that all flights from Iran to Lebanon have been canceled until February 18, 2024, following a request from Lebanese authorities. The suspension is attributed to heightened security concerns in Beirut and the halting of all international flights to the country.
Pour Farzaneh acknowledged Israel’s threats regarding Iranian flights to Lebanon but stated he had no knowledge of such threats. Nonetheless, he indicated that the Lebanese request warranted the cessation of Iranian flights for the stated timeframe, effectively halting the travel of Iranian passengers to Lebanon during this period.
In response to these developments, protests erupted last Thursday, with demonstrators blocking access to Beirut Airport. The unrest intensified over the weekend as Hezbollah organized protests near the airport, where the Lebanese army responded with tear gas against the demonstrators.
Additionally, tensions escalated further when Iran refused Lebanon’s request for two Middle East Airlines aircraft to evacuate stranded Lebanese citizens from Tehran. Iranian Ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, affirmed that while Tehran is open to receiving flights from Lebanese airlines, it will not sacrifice Iranian flights to facilitate this arrangement.
The cessation of Iranian flights to Lebanon until February 18, 2024, stems from security concerns highlighted by Lebanese authorities. This decision has led to widespread protests in Beirut, reflecting the heightened tensions between the two nations. The Iranian government remains firm in its position regarding its flights while addressing the urgent travel needs of its citizens.
Original Source: shafaq.com
