Hezbollah’s Ghaleb Abu Zeinab criticized Lebanon’s government over handling Iranian flight restrictions, calling for improved relations with Iran. Protests occurred following a decision to bar Iranian planes from landing. The Lebanese government is facing complications in repatriating citizens stranded in Iran and dealing with Israeli threats against Iranian aviation.
Ghaleb Abu Zeinab, a member of Hezbollah’s Politburo, expressed concerns regarding the Lebanese government’s handling of an Iranian flight incident during an interview with al-Manar TV. Protests erupted after Lebanese authorities temporarily barred Iranian planes, including one carrying Lebanese passengers, from landing at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. Abu Zeinab criticized this decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties with Iran for Lebanon’s national interest.
He urged Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to pursue a balanced diplomatic approach towards both Iran and the United States, cautioning against yielding to U.S. pressures. Amid escalating tensions, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced a rescheduling of flights from Iran due to additional security measures, prompting public unrest and road blockades around the airport.
Faced with protest and pressure, the Lebanese government arranged flights via Middle East Airlines to return stranded Lebanese citizens from Iran. However, complications arose when Iran denied landing rights for these aircraft, complicating evacuation efforts. Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, informed that Tehran is willing to facilitate return flights, provided that Lebanese authorities do not prevent Iranian flights.
The situation is further complicated by Israel’s threats against Iranian aircraft, prompting statements from Iranian officials condemning Israeli threats and violations of international law. As tensions escalate, Lebanon’s Transport Ministry has previously taken action against Iranian planes following warnings from Israel regarding potential military force if such aircraft were permitted to enter Lebanese airspace.
In summary, Hezbollah’s Ghaleb Abu Zeinab advocates for preserving Lebanon’s relations with Iran amidst recent airport protests related to Iranian flight restrictions. He calls for balanced diplomacy while condemning U.S. interference. As Lebanon navigates this complex diplomatic situation, including an ongoing disagreement with Iran over flight permissions, it faces increased tensions influenced by Israeli threats against Iranian aviation.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
