Iran’s Foreign Ministry denounces Israeli threats against a passenger plane bound for Lebanon, highlighting violations of international law and Lebanese sovereignty. In light of flight cancellations prompted by Israeli pressures, protests erupted near Beirut Airport. Iran insists on maintaining its flight operations and seeks a resolution to the ongoing tensions while rejecting any alternatives that might hinder its airliners.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has condemned threats made by the Israeli regime against a passenger plane carrying Lebanese citizens, labeling it a clear violation of international law and Lebanon’s sovereignty. Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, highlighted that such threats have disrupted normal flight operations at Beirut Airport, particularly following the cancellation of two scheduled flights from Iran, ordered by Lebanon under Israeli pressure. Israel’s justification for the cancellations claimed that the aircraft was transporting funds to Hezbollah. Baghaei urged international organizations, especially the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to intervene to safeguard the security of Iran’s aviation activities.
Following these developments, protests erupted near Beirut International Airport, where demonstrators blocked access, set tires ablaze, and expressed their discontent with the US and Israeli actions. Tensions escalated during confrontations between protesters and Lebanese military personnel tasked with clearing the roads. In response to Lebanon’s proposal for alternative flights, Iran’s Ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, declared that Iran does not accept such offers if they impede the operation of Iranian airliners.
Ambassador Amani welcomed the possibility of Lebanese airline flights to Iran but insisted on the condition that these do not hinder Iranian flights. He also expressed concern for the Lebanese passengers stranded at Tehran’s airport due to the cancellations. Amani emphasized that these actions coincided with Israeli threats against the Lebanese populace, who are seeking to protect their independence. He deemed this situation unacceptable and predicted further public demonstrations if not resolved.
Lastly, Amani expressed hope for a swift resolution to this matter, calling for prudence from the Lebanese government. The escalating tensions highlight the complex interplay of regional politics affecting civilian aviation and the potential backlash from the Lebanese public against perceived foreign interference.
In summary, Iran has firmly condemned Israeli threats against its passenger flights to Lebanon, asserting violations of international law and Lebanon’s sovereignty. Protests have erupted in response to flight cancellations, attributed to Israeli pressure. Iran’s Ambassador has rejected alternative flight proposals that disrupt Iranian air operations and seeks a resolution to ensure the safety and independence of all involved parties.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
