A Nod to Israel? Syria Prevented Iranian Official from Flying Over Its Territory
Syria refused the flight of Iranian senior official Ali Larijani over its territory during his visit to Lebanon. The plane was forced to change route through Turkey.
Syria continues to signal to Israel and the West: According to several Arab sources, Syrian authorities refused to allow the flight of Iranian senior official Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, who visited Lebanon today, to pass through its territory.
The reports indicate that following the refusal, the plane was forced to change its route and cross Turkish airspace on its way to Lebanon.
During his visit to Lebanon, Larijani met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in what was described as a "last attempt" by Iran to prevent Hezbollah's dismantling.
Syria's refusal to allow Larijani's flight through its territory symbolizes once again the shift in alliances and the dramatic change in the regional order that the fall of Assad's regime brought to the region.
Additionally, the friction between Iran and Lebanon and Syria shows how much the current authorities view Iran's past actions as subversion against the countries in the region.
Lebanon, while receiving the plane, was quite firm on Iran staying out of its internal affairs, according to President Joseph Aoun's X account:
"We reject any interference in our internal affairs from any party, and we want the Lebanese arena to remain safe and stable for the benefit of all Lebanese without discrimination. Lebanon, which absolutely does not interfere in the affairs of any other country and respects their particularities, including Iran, does not accept anyone interfering in its internal affairs.
"The Lebanese state and its armed forces are responsible for the security of all Lebanese without any exception. Any challenges coming from the Israeli enemy or others are challenges for all Lebanese, not just one group, and the most important weapon to confront them is the unity of the Lebanese."