Syria bans Iranian flights, restricting access to Lebanon

Iranian media reports indicate that Syria’s new government, in response to actions limiting Iran’s land access to Lebanon, has also banned Iranian flights from its airspace.

According to a report by the news agency Wala News, citing security sources, Syria’s new government has prohibited all Iranian flights, including military and commercial ones, from passing through its airspace.

This ban on Iranian flights over Syria restricts Iran’s access to Lebanon, where it has been involved in the reconstruction and arming of Hezbollah. Following the collapse of the previous Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad, Iran lost its full land access to Lebanon.

Arabic media outlet Ikhad reported that Iranian airlines, including “Mahan Air,” have been avoiding Syrian airspace. Mahan Air, which is affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is a key player in these operations.

One particular flight path from Tehran to Beirut, published by the media, shows that the Mahan Air flight completely bypassed Syria on its way to Lebanon.

Before the recent developments in Syria, Iran was a major supporter of Assad’s regime, utilizing Syria’s land and airspace to send equipment, personnel, and funds to its proxies in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza. However, with the current restrictions, Iran has lost both its land and air access routes to Lebanon.

The new restrictions signal a significant shift in Syria’s policy towards Iran, possibly reflecting the government’s changing alliances or strategic priorities. As Iran continues to face increasing challenges in maintaining its influence in the region, it will likely seek alternative routes and methods to support its allies.

This may escalate tensions with both regional and international powers, particularly as Iran’s involvement in Lebanon and other areas remains a point of contention.

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