Lebanese Authorities Conduct Thorough Inspection of Iranian Plane and Passengers
In a recent development that has stirred tensions, Lebanese authorities conducted a comprehensive inspection of an Iranian Mahan Air plane, including its passengers and diplomatic luggage. The plane was carrying an Iranian diplomat, leading to a diplomatic stir between the two nations.
According to Lebanese officials, the inspection was part of routine security measures applied universally to all aircraft and passengers at Rafik Hariri International Airport. However, this particular event drew significant attention when the Iranian National Security Committee in Parliament intervened.
Ibrahim Rezaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian parliamentary committee, reviewed the information regarding the security measures taken at Beirut’s airport. He urged Iran’s Foreign Ministry to “swiftly follow up on the matter to ensure it does not happen again,” as per ILNA news agency reports.
Suspicious Behaviors
Rezaei criticized Lebanon for what he described as “suspicious behaviors” potentially influenced by Western countries, especially under the current sensitive regional conditions. He emphasized Tehran’s longstanding support for the Lebanese people and government.
Despite the obligation of Iranian diplomatic bodies to respond to any errors by Lebanese officials, Rezaei noted that “the resistance did not come in suitcases to be dismissed by inspections.”
Lebanon’s Interior Minister, Bassam Mawlawi, clarified in an interview that all individuals
passing through Beirut Airport are subject to inspection, including diplomats. He mentioned that
operational funds and documents belonging to the Iranian Embassy were found during the check,
although the diplomat initially objected to the search.
The Lebanese Foreign Ministry had received a written explanation from the Iranian Embassy
about the contents of two small bags carried by the diplomat on the Mahan Air flight. These bags
contained documents and cash for embassy operational expenses, and were allowed entry under
the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Since October 2024, the Lebanese Army has been tasked with overseeing takeoffs, landings, and
inspections at the airport, a measure to prevent any violations that Israel might exploit to disrupt
air traffic.
This incident sheds light on the delicate balance of international diplomacy and security
measures, particularly in regions with heightened geopolitical tensions. The ongoing dialogue
between Lebanon and Iran will be crucial in navigating these complex interactions.
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