TEHRAN: Iran mentioned on Monday that it’s going to participate on this weekend’s funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the slain chief of Lebanon’s Tehran-backed Hezbollah motion, with a senior delegation.
“We are going to take part on this ceremony at a excessive stage,” Iranian international ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei instructed reporters, with out specifying who would attend Sunday’s ceremony in Beirut.
The announcement got here as Lebanese authorities cancelled flights from Tehran to Beirut over safety considerations.
Hezbollah’s present chief, Naim Qassem, accused Israel of being behind the cancellations, saying Lebanon’s authorities was “implementing an Israeli order”.
Qassem additionally referred to as for widespread participation in Nasrallah’s funeral as an illustration of the group’s energy.
Israel has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of utilizing Beirut’s airport to smuggle weapons and funds from Iran, allegations denied by each Hezbollah and Lebanese officers.
Hezbollah was established within the Nineteen Eighties following Iran’s Islamic Revolution as a Shiite political celebration with an armed wing.
Over time, the group has obtained monetary and army help from Tehran, positioning itself as a key adversary of Israel, Iran’s arch-enemy.
Nasrallah, a distinguished determine in Hezbollah, led the group for 32 years, throughout which it expanded its army capabilities and regional affect.