Iran News: Lebanese MP Warns of Iran’s Threat to Sovereignty Amid Tightened Security
Written by
Mehdi Oghbai
News cover of Shafaq News website on Lebanese authorities calling for inspection of Iranian regime’s cargo in Beirut airport – January 4, 2025
In a statement reported by Shafaq News, Lebanese MP Nazih Matta of the Lebanese Forces Party highlighted Lebanon’s intensified efforts to regain control over key facilities, including airports and border security, in response to what he described as the Iranian regime’s growing attempts to undermine the nation’s independence.
“Tehran is not accustomed to having its planes inspected upon arrival in Lebanon,” Matta told Al-Hurra. He accused Iran of exploiting Hezbollah’s support to transport weapons and funds into the country, posing a direct threat to Lebanese sovereignty.
The remarks follow an incident on Friday when Lebanese authorities conducted a detailed inspection of an Iranian Mahan Air flight at Rafic Hariri International Airport. Intelligence reports suggested the aircraft might be carrying funds intended for Hezbollah. The situation escalated when an Iranian diplomat refused to allow the inspection of two suitcases.
The Iranian Embassy later clarified through Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the luggage contained financial documents and operational funds for the embassy, invoking diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention of 1961 to prevent further inspection.
#Iran News: Beirut Airport Tightens Security Over Suspected #Hezbollah Funds Amid Tehran’s Declining Influencehttps://t.co/bjGdmq15bM
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) January 3, 2025
The episode underscores changing security protocols at Rafic Hariri International Airport, which has faced past allegations of enabling covert Iranian transfers of weapons and funds to Hezbollah. With the Lebanese army taking on a more prominent role in airport security, scrutiny of such activities has intensified, raising questions about Iran and Hezbollah’s diminishing influence in Lebanon.
Protests from Hezbollah supporters followed the enhanced inspections, with claims that Lebanese authorities are unfairly targeting Iran and its allies. However, Matta defended the measures as necessary steps toward safeguarding Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Peter Brookes condemned Iran’s regional policies, noting that they have “brought nothing but trouble” to Lebanon. He emphasized the Lebanese people’s right to shape their future without external interference.
Observers have linked the incident to broader geopolitical developments, suggesting these shifts may signal a decline in Iran and Hezbollah’s operational dominance in Lebanon, as the country seeks greater control over its security and sovereignty.