More than 100 Iranian citizens, including diplomats, were evacuated from Beirut overnight on a Russian plane, a Lebanese official confirmed Sunday. The evacuation comes amid escalating tensions in the region and follows Lebanon’s recent moves to distance itself from Iran-backed groups.
A total of 117 Iranians were on the flight, which departed from Beirut’s international airport and was initially headed to Turkey, according to the source who requested anonymity. Lebanese authorities were informed of the operation by the Iranian embassy prior to its execution.
The move followed a Thursday decision by the Lebanese government to ban any activity by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – a key supporter of Hezbollah – and to impose visa requirements for Iranian nationals entering the country. These measures are intended to increase pressure on Hezbollah, which enjoys support from Tehran.
The flight also carried the remains of an Iranian diplomat who died during the conflict, along with those of his wife and three children, the official added. The final destination of the evacuees was not specified, though the aircraft was scheduled to make a stop in Turkey.
Beirut’s international airport, located near the southern suburbs – an area that has been targeted by Israeli airstrikes since Monday – remains operational, though currently, Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines, is handling the majority of flights. The situation highlights the increasing fragility of civilian infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict.
On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported striking “key commanders” of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Beirut. According to the IDF, the targeted leaders were coordinating activities to promote terrorist plots against Israel and its population, in coordination with the Revolutionary Guard in Iran. This action comes after Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel on Monday, drawing Lebanon directly into the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States.
A Lebanese security source stated that Iranian liaison officers are coordinating with Hezbollah on the ground. The IDF also alleged that the Iranian regime systematically operates in civilian environments, using residents as human shields. The recent developments underscore the escalating regional tensions and the potential for further conflict.
