Iran, Lebanon discuss passenger flights issue, bilateral ties
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Iranian and Lebanese foreign ministers Abbas Araghchi and Youssef Rajji discussed strengthening bilateral ties and resolving issues affecting passenger flights between the two countries.
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Hezbollah supporters protest near Beirut's international airport against Lebanon's decision to revoke permission for an Iranian carrier in Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 (AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Lebanese counterpart Youssef Joe Rajji discussed efforts to resolve issues affecting passenger flights between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to constructive dialogue, an official statement released on Saturday revealed.
During a phone call on Saturday, Araghchi congratulated Rajji on his appointment as Lebanon’s new foreign minister and extended his best wishes for the success of the new Lebanese government.
The two diplomats emphasized strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, commercial, and cultural sectors, highlighting their commitment to mutual respect and shared national interests.
One key topic of discussion was the ongoing challenges in operating passenger flights between Iran and Lebanon. Both sides expressed their willingness to engage in good-faith negotiations to find a solution.
Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani announced Friday efforts to restore Iranian and Lebanese airline flights to their previous schedule, expressing hope that the issue would soon be resolved through a "wise decision by the Lebanese government."
Iran working on resolving issues
In an interview with Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Amani addressed the recent controversy surrounding an Iranian flight that was scheduled to land in Beirut on Thursday, affirming that Tehran welcomed Lebanese airline operations but "not at the expense of canceling Iranian flights."
He revealed that the Lebanese government had revoked permits for two weekly flights from Iran to Beirut, coinciding with claims by Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, who alleged that the flights were carrying "illegal cargo."
Amani noted that Lebanon had requested a change of aircraft for the Iranian flight and stressed that Iran's approval of such a measure depended on ensuring that Iranian flights would not face further obstacles.
He added that the situation had sparked anger among the Lebanese public, who viewed it as an attempt to prevent Iranian nationals from attending the funeral ceremony of Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on February 23.
Meanwhile, the director of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, Saeed Chalendari, confirmed that flights to Beirut remain suspended, as Lebanon has not granted permission for their resumption.
Chalendari stated that Iran’s Mahan Air had scheduled flights to Beirut, but Lebanese authorities had yet to issue the necessary clearance. Iran's Civil Aviation Organization is currently working to obtain the required approvals.
