Breaking: Lebanon blocked Iranian planes after US warnings

In retaliation for Israeli threats, Lebanon twice this week denied Iranian flights permission to land at Beirut. Lebanese officials informed Iran on Thursday that a flight already scheduled was not to depart. The action followed an Israeli threat, relayed through the United States, to bring down the plane if it tried to land in Lebanon.

After consultation between the prime minister and president, the transport and public works ministry withheld permission for the flight before takeoff. This withholding was also performed on Friday, leading to Hezbollah supporters’ protests that resulted in the closure of Beirut’s international airport road. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized that the safety of travelers and security of the airport are a priority.

Israel charged that Hezbollah had smuggled arms from Iran into Lebanon via Beirut airport, a claim both Hezbollah and Lebanese officials refuted. Since November 27, there has been a precarious ceasefire, following months of Israeli-Hezbollah hostilities.