Lebanon rejected an Iranian request to allow two passenger planes carrying officials and clerics to land in Beirut for Hezbollah’s commemoration marking the first anniversary of the assassinations of its leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, senior government sources told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.

The decision, which sources described as swift and unanimous, was taken following consultations between President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Public Works Minister Fayez Rassamni, and security and military chiefs.

Officials said the move was driven by security concerns after Israel had warned it would target Rafik Hariri International Airport if Iranian aircraft were permitted to land. The United States also refused to provide guarantees for the planes’ safe arrival.

“The risk was deemed real. Allowing the planes to land could have given Israel a pretext to strike the airport,” a senior government source told Asharq al-Awsat.

Tehran, through its embassy in Beirut, had submitted the request last week, asking for an exceptional waiver to bring delegations to Hezbollah’s anniversary events. Sources said the Iranian government had been informed in advance of Lebanon’s firm position and had previously complied with restrictions on flights between the two capitals. However, this time it sought an exceptional waiver for the two planes.

The refusal effectively freezes direct air traffic between Beirut and Tehran. According to officials, the step was necessary to protect civilian aviation and ensure continuity of international flights to and from Beirut, which only recently recovered traffic after years of suspension by foreign carriers.

Political sources in Beirut said the government’s stance was both politically and security-wise “beyond reproach,” particularly amid accusations that Iran has repeatedly used the airport to funnel financial and military support to Hezbollah. With tighter border controls in place and Syria no longer a viable route, the airport has become Iran’s only channel to Lebanon.

“By refusing, Lebanon avoided a major crisis that could have once again isolated Beirut airport,” one political source said.

The government’s decision was formally conveyed to airport security agencies, the Civil Aviation Directorate, and the Iranian Embassy, the sources added.