A civilian aircraft belonging to the Iranian airline “Mahan” landed last night at Beirut’s airport, carrying Iranian diplomats with bags reportedly containing cash intended for Hezbollah funding.
The plane’s passengers underwent meticulous inspections, and the diplomats’ bags were detained at the airport and not released immediately.
One passenger complained: “Beirut airport has become like Tel Aviv airport” (due to the nature and reasons for the inspection).
In response, a convoy of motorcycles with Hezbollah supporters took to the streets of Dahieh in Beirut, with some reaching the airport area. Others protested near the Iranian embassy in Beirut as a show of support.
Eventually, Iran sent an official letter to Lebanon stating that the diplomats’ bags contained documents and money for the embassy’s routine activities. Iran demanded the bags be allowed through without inspection in accordance with international treaty rules, and their request was granted.
