Over 150 Iranians Leave Lebanon Amidst Rising Tensions
In response to escalating Middle East tensions, more than 150 Iranian nationals, including diplomats and their families, departed from Lebanon this weekend. A senior Lebanese security source informed Reuters that the evacuations were initiated after an Israeli military spokesperson threatened Iran’s “representatives” in Lebanon.
These evacuations began last Friday when Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group, engaged in combat with Israel. The security source stated that another 20 Iranians had already boarded Russian planes for Russia following this conflict. On Tuesday, an Israeli military spokesperson instructed the remaining Iranian representatives to leave immediately before they were targeted.
Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed these developments from Tehran. In a statement, he acknowledged the necessity of ending attacks on neighboring countries until those nations initiate hostilities against Iran. He expressed deep remorse for recent strikes against US military bases in other countries, stating that such actions had resulted in both casualties and martyrdoms, including that of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Pezeshkian’s remarks echo Iran’s previous stance on not giving up its weapons to any enemy. He emphasized that his country would not submit to the United States or Israel. This situation continues to strain relations between Iran and both nations, with Iran denouncing American and Israeli attacks against it as unjustified.
As these evacuation efforts continue, the future of Iranian representatives in Lebanon remains uncertain, highlighting a volatile climate characterized by increased military engagements and diplomatic tensions across the region.