The Lebanese government has indefinitely extended the suspension of all incoming and outgoing flights to and from Iran, a decision made in response to a U.S. warning about potential Israeli strikes targeting these flights.

Indefinite Flight Ban

On Monday, February 17, the Lebanese government announced the indefinite extension of the flight suspension, which was initially set to expire on February 18. Najat Sharaf al-Din, spokesperson for the Lebanese presidency, confirmed that the ban will remain in effect until further notice.

Without specifying a timeline for lifting the restrictions, Sharaf al-Din stated: “The Minister of Public Works and Transport has been tasked with extending the suspension of flights to and from Iran.”

This decision follows a warning from the United States, which cautioned Lebanon that Israel might target Iranian aircraft attempting to land in Beirut.

Concerns Over Weapons Transfers

A Lebanese security source told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that since the ceasefire on November 27 between Hezbollah and Israel—brokered by Washington—there have been growing concerns over the possible transfer of weapons from Iran to Lebanon through Beirut’s airport.

Israel has long accused Hezbollah of using the airport to receive military equipment from Iran, a charge Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have consistently denied.

Hezbollah’s Reaction and Public Protests

The Lebanese government’s decision has triggered a strong backlash from Hezbollah and its supporters. In response to the flight ban, Hezbollah sympathizers blocked access roads to Beirut International Airport in protest.

Sharaf al-Din stated that the government had instructed security forces to prevent road blockages near the airport and enhance security measures for all flights.

Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General, condemned the flight suspension, calling it “the implementation of an Israeli directive.”

Amid the unrest, tensions escalated when a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy was attacked near the airport on Friday. During the incident, one of the UN vehicles was set on fire, and two peacekeepers sustained injuries.

The attack has raised international concerns over Lebanon’s security situation. While Lebanese authorities have yet to issue an official statement, analysts believe the rift between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government is widening.

Stranded Lebanese Citizens in Iran

Due to the extended flight suspension, several Lebanese citizens currently in Iran are struggling to return home. The Lebanese government has stated that the Minister of Foreign Affairs is actively coordinating efforts to facilitate their return.

Rising Tensions and Security Implications

The decision to prolong the Iran-Lebanon flight suspension is one of the most sensitive measures taken by the Beirut government in recent months. Not only has it provoked strong reactions from Hezbollah and led to street protests, but it has also exacerbated Lebanon’s internal tensions.

The U.S. warning regarding potential Israeli threats has heightened concerns over a possible regional escalation. Meanwhile, the attack on the UN convoy and ongoing protests in Beirut suggest that Lebanon is once again teetering on the brink of a security crisis.