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Lebanese diplomacy found itself at the heart of controversy on Friday after the controversial search of two Iranian diplomatic bags at Beirut's Rafic Hariri international airport. This incident sparked a series of local and international reactions, fueling speculation about Iranian intentions and the involvement of Hezbollah.
Two suitcases under diplomatic immunity
According to a press release from Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairsthe two suitcases, transported on board a flight of the Iranian company Mahan Aircontained “papers, documents and cash exclusively intended to cover operational expenses related to the activities of the Iranian embassy”. Access to the suitcases was authorized on the basis of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relationswhich guarantees immunity for diplomatic baggage.
The incident began after the flight in question was delayed upon arrival, and information was reportedly passed to Lebanese authorities regarding a possible illegal transportation of funds to finance Hezbollahan organization supported by Iran.
A search under high tension
The Lebanese Acting Minister of the Interior, Bassam Mawlawiconfirmed that the Mahan Air plane was thoroughly searched “bag by bag” by security forces at the airport. Members of the Iranian diplomatic delegation reportedly tried to prevent the search, citing diplomatic immunity. However, security was tightened, and the plane was scanned despite protests.
According to defense sources, an Iranian diplomat on board the flight was briefly arrested after refusing to have his personal belongings searched. Cash was reportedly discovered in his luggage, and Lebanese authorities confiscated the contents for examination.
-Diplomatic and local reactions
The incident caused immediate reactions between the Lebanese and Iranian authorities. Intensive negotiations would have made it possible to partially defuse the crisis. Iran reportedly claimed that the funds were intended exclusively for official uses related to the operations of its embassy in Beirut, and that they were protected by international law.
At the same time, supporters of Hezbollah organized a motorized event on the road to the airport to denounce the incident. Videos posted online show a Lebanese passenger on the plane lamenting that “Beirut airport has become Tel Aviv airport”, an allusion to a perception of foreign interference in Lebanon's affairs.
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