The ongoing dispute over Iranian flights to Lebanon continues to escalate as the Iranian authorities denied permission for two Middle East Airlines (MEA) planes to land in Tehran.

This decision has left Lebanese citizens stranded in Iran and further strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Lebanese Evacuation Effort Blocked

On Thursday, the Lebanese Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced plans to dispatch an aircraft to evacuate stranded Lebanese citizens in Tehran. However, Iran rejected the request, citing procedural requirements. According to a source in Lebanon’s Civil Aviation Authority, the Iranian Civil Aviation Authority insisted the request must go through Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in compliance with bilateral protocols.

Adding to the complexity, Friday is a national holiday in Iran, further delaying any potential resolution. Lebanese Ambassador to Iran is reportedly working to mediate the situation.

Iran's Reciprocal Denial

Meanwhile, Lebanese authorities informed Iran’s Mahan Airlines that it could not accommodate two scheduled flights from Tehran to Beirut, initially planned for Thursday and Friday. The flights have been postponed until next week without a clear explanation. Saeed Shalandari, Chairman of Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran, confirmed that the flight to Beirut was denied permission to land due to the absence of necessary permits.

Accusations of Smuggling

The crisis takes place against the backdrop of recent allegations by Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, who claimed that Iran’s Quds Force and Hezbollah have been exploiting Beirut International Airport for smuggling funds and resources to arm Hezbollah. Lebanese officials, including Hezbollah, have denied these accusations, emphasizing that stringent monitoring and inspection measures are in place at the airport.

During the last confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel, Lebanese security forces, under army supervision, closely monitored airport procedures to ensure compliance with international standards. Earlier this year, the airport authorities subjected an Iranian plane carrying a diplomatic delegation to thorough inspection, prompting praise from Hezbollah critics and backlash from its supporters.

Broader Context

The standoff comes amidst a fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered through U.S. mediation and French sponsorship, effective since November 27, 2024. Initially set to be implemented within 60 days, the agreement has been extended until February 18, 2025.

As the crisis deepens, it underscores the complex dynamics of Lebanon’s regional and domestic challenges, highlighting tensions between international protocols, internal politics, and broader geopolitical influences.