Tensions at Beirut Airport Over Unusual Security Checks on Iranian Flight
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Tensions erupted at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport when passengers aboard a Tehran-to-Beirut flight were subjected to unusual security checks, including the manual inspection of their luggage.
Iranian diplomats were also affected, but their diplomatic bags were eventually allowed to pass without scrutiny.
An informed source close to the incident, speaking to Tasnim News Agency, revealed that the confrontation ended without the inspection of an Iranian diplomat's bag.
According to Lebanon's Al-Manar TV, passengers on the flight from Tehran were subjected to thorough body searches and extensive checks of their luggage upon arrival at Beirut's airport. Airport officials reportedly manually opened every suitcase and examined their contents, an unprecedented measure that caused significant delays and frustration among passengers.
The informed source from the Iranian Embassy in Lebanon told Tasnim that the incident occurred following pressure from the United States and Israeli regime, who suspected that Iran might be using Mahan Air to transport funds. However, no illicit materials were found during the luggage inspection.
The source added that airport authorities insisted on opening a small bag that was supposed to pass uninspected according to diplomatic protocols. This was resolved after intervention by Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, allowing the bag to enter without further inspection.
Protests also erupted in Lebanon in response to the incident. Demonstrators voiced their anger, questioning why Lebanese citizens returning from Iran were subjected to such unusual treatment and expressing their concerns over the broader implications of how Iran was being treated.
Protesters accused airport officials of implementing US and Israeli agendas in Lebanon, pointing out the lack of action against American activities in the country.
The protestors gathered outside the Iranian embassy, showing support for the Islamic Republic on this matter. The situation was resolved by 2 a.m., with the diplomat’s bag cleared in accordance with international regulations, and no further action was taken against it.
