WANA (Jan 03) – On Thursday evening, Beirut International Airport witnessed unprecedented security measures against the passengers of a Mahan Air flight, sparking widespread criticism and tension.

 

A thorough inspection of the Iranian aircraft, which was carrying Lebanese passengers, caused several hours of flight delays. Reports suggest the operation was conducted under the supervision of American officers and involved extensive searches of luggage and cargo, including diplomatic bags.

 

This move was met with condemnation from passengers, diplomats, and even the Lebanese public. Under the Vienna Convention (1961), diplomatic bags are supposed to be immune from inspection in host countries. However, the insistence of airport security forces on inspecting diplomatic bags led to diplomatic tensions and public protests.

Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi stated that these measures were carried out in line with security directives. On the other hand, the Iranian Embassy in Lebanon announced that the targeted diplomatic bag was cleared without inspection and dismissed claims of money transfers to Hezbollah via this flight as false.

 

Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hadath network had alleged that Iran was attempting to transfer millions of dollars to Hezbollah in Lebanon via Mahan Air flights—a claim denied by both Iranian and Lebanese officials.

 

Simultaneously, Lebanese citizens gathered outside the airport, protesting against the unusual treatment of the flight’s passengers and the alleged role of the U.S. and Israel in imposing these security measures. Protesters demanded accountability from authorities and the cessation of actions contrary to Lebanon’s sovereignty.

 

This incident continues to spark debate in Lebanese public opinion and remains a point of contention in diplomatic relations between the two countries.