Hezbollah official Ghaleb Abu Zeinab emphasized the need for Lebanon to maintain good relations with Iran after protests erupted over a temporary ban on Iranian flights. The Lebanese government has faced backlash regarding its actions at the airport, with ongoing negotiations to facilitate the return of stranded passengers. Additionally, Israeli threats against Iranian flights have contributed to the complex geopolitical context surrounding these developments.
Ghaleb Abu Zeinab, a Hezbollah Politburo member, recently addressed the tensions arising from violent protests that occurred around Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. These protests followed the Lebanese government’s temporary ban on Iranian flights, prompting calls for improved relations with Iran. He criticized the government’s response as inappropriate, asserting that Lebanon should prioritize amicable ties with Iran and avoid submission to U.S. pressures.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Lebanon announced a temporary rescheduling of flights from Iran until February 18 due to heightened security measures. Consequently, this decision incited public outrage, leading demonstrators to block roads and burn tires in protest. Authorities responded by arranging for Middle East Airlines to facilitate the return of Lebanese passengers stranded in Iran, despite Iranian authorities initially denying landing permissions for the Lebanese aircraft.
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, Joe Raggi, confirmed that his ministry is actively working to resolve the situation with Iran. Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani stated that Tehran is eager to restore flight operations between the nations, indicating that Iran is open to Lebanese evacuation flights, contingent upon the non-blocking of Iranian flights by Lebanese authorities.
Simultaneously, Israeli threats against Iranian aircraft landing in Lebanon heightened tensions further. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned Israel’s threats against a passenger plane, emphasizing Israel’s violations of international law and Lebanon’s sovereignty. This ongoing dispute reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics influencing Lebanon’s aviation policies, particularly following a recent directive from Lebanon’s Transport Ministry to halt an Iranian aircraft from entering its airspace.
In summary, maintaining strong relations with Iran is regarded as critical to Lebanon’s national interests amid escalating tensions regarding aviation operations. The Lebanese government faces public dissent over its recent actions against Iranian flights, and both sides are negotiating potential resolutions. Furthermore, Israel’s threats complicate the situation further, posing challenges to Lebanon’s sovereignty and aviation safety.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
