BEIRUT — In its first comment on the diplomatic crisis that occurred at Beirut international airport last week, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that "the Iranian Mahan Air plane was not searched at Beirut airport and the misunderstanding has been resolved."

The controversy erupted on Jan. 2 when an Iranian Mahan Air flight arrived at Beirut international airport. Reports emerged claiming the aircraft was carrying money for Hezbollah, prompting security forces at the airport to search passengers' baggage. The search led to the discovery of cash in two suitcases belonging to Iranian diplomats, sparking an uproar.

Following the incident, the Lebanese Foreign Affairs Ministry received a message from the Iranian Embassy in Beirut regarding the contents of two "small diplomatic suitcases" carried by an Iranian diplomat on the flight. According to the embassy, the suitcases contained "documents and tickets to cover operational expenses for the exclusive use of the embassy."

The incident followed a previous diplomatic stir in mid-November when an Iranian delegation, accompanying Ali Larijani, advisor to Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, was searched upon arrival in Beirut despite their diplomatic immunity, according to local media.