Iran Flight Ban Sparks Hezbollah Threat to Shut Down Beirut Airport
BEIRUT — Hezbollah has threatened to prevent aircraft from landing at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport if the Lebanese government continues its measures targeting Iranian flights, marking an escalation in the group’s confrontation with the state.
Mahmoud Qamati, deputy head of Hezbollah’s political council, told Al-Manar television that Iranian aircraft were still barred from landing and visa issuance to Iranian nationals had nearly come to a halt. He argued the measures were targeting Iran and its representatives in Lebanon.
“We have so far shown patience, but if the situation continues, we will resort to many peaceful methods,” Qamati said. “Then no aircraft will land in Beirut, and no ambassador will remain in Lebanon.”
Government sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Qamati’s remarks would not change decisions already taken, describing the measures as sovereign and security decisions. The ban on Iranian aircraft was imposed after Israeli threats to target the airport, while visa requirements were reinstated after incidents showed Revolutionary Guards commanders were present in Lebanon.
Hezbollah has also renewed its refusal to surrender its weapons and continued its campaign against the framework agreement with Israel. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Ezzedine accused President Joseph Aoun’s leadership of “abandoning part of Lebanese territory” and described disarmament as “tantamount to taking the lives of those who carry this rifle to defend the homeland.”
The group previously challenged the government over Iranian flights in February 2025, organizing protests near the airport, but the government maintained its position.
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