Lebanese Authority Extends Iran's Aviation Entry And Exit Ban

JAKARTA - Lebanese authorities announced on Monday that they were extending the suspension of flights in and out of Iran indefinitely, after previously banning Iranian aircraft from landing in Beirut until February 18.

Authorities have decided to "provide a mandate to the Minister of Public Works and Transportation to extend the period of suspension of flights to and from Iran," Lebanese presidential spokesman Najat Charafeddine told reporters after a cabinet meeting, without specifying when flights would resume, quoted from The Times of Israel February 18.

The announcement comes after Lebanon last week denied permission for two Iranian flights to land in Beirut, following allegations published by Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Tehran used civilian aircraft to smuggle cash into Beirut to arm Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah.

Earlier, Lebanese security forces told AFP the ban came after the United States warned the IDF might shoot the plane down.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Lebanon said on Thursday it had "temporary rescheduled" several flights, including from Iran, until February 18 as it was implementing "additional security measures."

The move sparked protests from Hezbollah supporters, who blocked the road to the country's only international airport in Beirut.

Charafeddine said authorities had given security forces "strict instructions" not to let the road to the airport be closed and to strengthen checks on all aircraft at the airport.

Lebanon's main diplomat will also follow up on the matter and "ensure the return of Lebanese travelers who are still in Iran," he said.

Yesterday, Iran said it was continuing talks with Lebanon regarding plans to send a high-level delegation to attend the funeral of the late leader Hezbollah Hassan Nasollah this weekend.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stressed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that third parties should not be allowed to influence decision-making.

"Talks continue, and we look forward to achieving rational solutions that will meet the interests of the Iranian and Lebanese people," he said.