Iran Attempts to Transfer Millions to Hezbollah Via Mahan Air, Prompting Beirut Airport Inspection

Jan 3, 2025, 03:15 AM

Iran is reportedly attempting to transfer millions of dollars to Hezbollah via a Mahan Air flight from Tehran to Beirut, according to Western sources cited by Saudi Al-Hadath. The flight, operated by the sanctioned Iranian airline linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was the subject of heightened security measures at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport. Lebanese security officials conducted a thorough inspection of the plane and its passengers, suspecting it of carrying funds for Hezbollah. Amid the inspection, a diplomatic bag from the Iranian embassy, which contained documents and cash intended for embassy operations, was initially barred from entry but later allowed in following diplomatic communications. The situation led to tensions at the airport, with reports of protests by Hezbollah supporters and a state of alert being declared. Lebanese authorities have stated that any suspicious funds found on the plane would be confiscated by the state.