German citizens arrive to Beirut's international airport as they evacuate Lebanon on Oct. 4, 2024. (Credit: Fadel Itani/AFP)
BEIRUT — Following reports regarding the deportation of several Iranian citizens from Beirut's airport, the Iranian embassy said in a statement that this measure was limited, occurred on a "case-by-case basis" and was caused by "inconsistencies" in the citizens' legal documents.
"The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, following news published in the media regarding the forced return of a number of Iranian citizens from Beirut Airport, informs that this action occurred on a case-by-case and due to deficiencies or inconsistencies in the legal documents of compatriots and that speculations and rumors about the deportation of a number of Iranian travelers are not true," read the statement published by the Iranian embassy on X.
This comes after the Lebanese government decided on Monday to suspend flights between Beirut and Tehran until further notice.
On Feb. 13, Lebanese authorities banned an Iranian plane from landing in Beirut, after the U.S. relayed a warning that Israel might strike the airport if the plane arrived. A second flight scheduled for the following day was also denied entry, leading to protests from Hezbollah supporters who blocked the road leading to the airport.
On Friday night, during a road closure near the airport by demonstrators, a convoy belonging to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was attacked, leaving two peacekeepers injured, an act which the party condemned. On Saturday, Hezbollah organized a sit-in, which was dispersed by the Lebanese Army with tear gas, amongst other measures.
It is unclear whether the reports regarding the deportation of Iranian citizens have anything to do with the events of the past week.
Contacted by L'Orient Today, a source in the Iranian Embassy in Beirut said that they do not have anything to add to their statement released on X.
The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a security source and the director of Beirut's airport were not immediately available to comment.