Ghaleb Abu Zeinab, a Hezbollah official, condemned Lebanon’s decision to bar an Iranian flight, asserting the importance of maintaining relations with Iran. Protests followed this decision, leading to calls for a balanced Lebanese foreign policy. The government’s attempt to resolve the issue with Iran and tensions with Israel further complicate the regional dynamics.
Ghaleb Abu Zeinab, a senior official of Hezbollah, criticized the Lebanese government’s recent actions regarding the crisis at Beirut’s airport. He emphasized that maintaining equitable relations with Iran is crucial for Lebanon’s interests, particularly after protests erupted when an Iranian plane was barred from landing, affecting Lebanese travelers.
Following this crisis, Abu Zeinab voiced discontent with the government’s decision and stated, “The Lebanese government’s stance on what happened at the airport… was not correct and promising.” He urged Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to pursue a balanced relationship with both Iran and the United States and cautioned against US influence on Lebanese policy.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Lebanon announced a temporary rescheduling of some flights, including those from Iran, citing additional security measures. This decision prompted protests where demonstrators blocked access to the airport and burned tires. In response, the government attempted to arrange for stranded Lebanese passengers in Iran to return home, initially sending planes from Middle East Airlines.
However, Iran rejected the landing of Lebanese aircraft aimed at returning stranded nationals. Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, confirmed that Tehran is eager to restore flight connections and indicated that Iran would permit Middle East Airlines to carry out evacuation flights, provided that Lebanese authorities do not prohibit Iranian flights.
The situation heightened tensions with Israel, which threatened Iranian aircraft landing in Lebanon. Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, condemned these Israeli threats, claiming they disrupt normal operations at Beirut airport. This recent incident follows previous warnings issued by Israel regarding Iranian planes and Lebanese airspace.
The tensions between Lebanon and Iran, alongside pressures from Israel, illustrate a complex geopolitical landscape in the region. Hezbollah’s call for Lebanon to maintain strong relations with Iran highlights internal divisions regarding foreign policy. The unfolding airport crisis not only exemplifies the challenges Lebanon faces in managing its international relations but also reflects the broader implications of external influences, particularly from the United States and Israel, on Lebanese sovereignty.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
