Hezbollah chief calls on Lebanon to resume air links with Tehran

Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem has called on the Lebanese government to reconsider its decision to ban Iranian planes from landing at Beirut International Airport, Report informs via TASS.

Speaking in an interview with Al Manar TV channel, he noted that the Lebanese authorities took this step in February under pressure from the United States out of fears of a possible bombing of the airport by the Israeli Air Force.

"Iran is a country friendly to Lebanon that provides the necessary support to our people, unlike many that refrain from helping the Lebanese for various reasons," he said.

"Therefore, air traffic between Beirut and Tehran must be restored." Qassem warned that "submission to American directives could lead Lebanon to the brink of the abyss."

Hezbollah supporters blocked the highway to Beirut International Airport on February 13, 14 and 15 after Lebanese authorities refused to accept flights from the Iranian company Mahan Air.