Was a delegation accompanying Ali Larijani searched at Beirut's airport?

A diplomatic delegation accompanying Ali Larijani, the advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was reportedly subjected to a thorough search upon its arrival at Rafik Hariri International Airport on Friday, despite their diplomatic immunity, according to several local media outlets.

The chief of security at the airport, Brigadier-General Fady Kfoury, is said to have ordered the search. The delegation initially refused, citing their diplomatic immunity, but Kfoury reportedly insisted on detaining them in a special lounge for diplomats, eventually forcing them to comply with the search.

When contacted by L'Orient-Le Jour, an airport spokesperson was unavailable for comment, and neither the airport nor Iranian authorities have responded publicly so far. The incident has sparked controversy on social media, with Hezbollah opponents praising the action and Hezbollah supporters, along with their Iranian allies, condemning it.

Larijani met with caretaker Prime Minister Nagib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on the same day, amid stalled ceasefire talks between Hezbollah and Israel

"There are delegations that can now move freely and others that get searched," commented Hussein Mortada, a journalist for the Hezbollah-affiliated Al Mayadeen, on X. He questioned, "Has an American delegation ever been locked in the diplomats' lounge to be searched? Just a few days ago, a U.S. intelligence group toured the airport freely and conducted investigations with officers. Do some people think the times have changed, and thus the diplomatic protocols can be altered?"

Meanwhile, a user on X declared, "The airport is now freed from Iranian influence," while another praised General Kfoury for forcing the Iranian delegation to undergo a search, emphasizing, "The authority of the state comes first."

Une délégation accompagnant Ali Larijani a-t-elle été fouillée à l'AIB ?