WANA (Feb 19) – The Iranian embassy in Lebanon has denied rumors regarding the expulsion of Iranian travelers from the country.

 

In recent hours, social media has circulated claims about the forced deportation of Iranians from Beirut Airport, prompting a response from Iran’s diplomatic mission in Lebanon. In a statement, the Iranian embassy in Beirut clarified: “The return of a number of Iranian citizens from Beirut Airport was a limited and case-specific action due to document deficiencies or non-compliance with legal requirements. The rumors about the expulsion of Iranian travelers are false.”

 

Extension of Flight Suspension Between Iran and Lebanon

While Iranian airlines were expected to resume flights to Lebanon by February 19, Lebanese authorities have extended the restriction without providing a clear explanation. Najat Sharaf al-Din, spokesperson for the Lebanese presidency, stated on Monday, February 18, that “there is no set date for the resumption of flights.”

 

Last Thursday and Friday, the Lebanese government prevented Mahan Air flights from landing in Beirut. Following this decision, images of stranded passengers at airports in Iran and Lebanon surfaced online, while a group of Hezbollah-aligned protesters gathered near Beirut Airport.

 

Tensions Over Iranian Flights to Beirut

WANA (Feb 16) – After the Lebanese government blocked permission for an Iranian airplane to land at Beirut Airport on Thursday night (February 13), Lebanon witnessed widespread protests later that night and in the following hours.   Esmail Baqai, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, claimed on Friday that Israel had “threatened” a passenger plane […]

Read More...

 

Foreign Pressure and Reactions

Iran’s ambassador in Beirut and Hezbollah have attributed the decision to Israeli pressure. Israel claims that Iran uses commercial flights to transfer cash to Hezbollah.

 

In response, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated: “No restrictions have been imposed on Lebanon’s Shiite community, and the actions taken regarding Iranian flights are related to existing sanctions.” He also emphasized that diplomatic discussions with the U.S. and France continue to address ongoing crises.

 

Political Dimensions of the Flight Crisis

The Lebanese government, under pressure from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, continues to block direct Tehran-Beirut flights.

 

Lebanese officials have officially cited Israeli security threats as the reason for this decision. However, some sources suggest it is part of an effort to permanently sever the Tehran-Beirut air corridor.

 

Hezbollah has declared that the resumption of these flights is a “red line” and that it will not back down.

 

Meanwhile, the U.S. and Israel are reportedly working to reroute these flights through a third country, such as Qatar.