Iran’s Ambassador Accuses European States of Complicity in Lebanon Pager Attacks

Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, alleges European complicity in the deadly September pager attacks linked to Hezbollah, which resulted in numerous casualties. He denies claims of Iranian military involvement and insists the pagers originated from Taiwan, while calling for international condemnation of Israel’s actions as war crimes.

Mojtaba Amani, Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, has accused certain European states of being complicit in the deadly pager attacks that occurred in Lebanon in September. He specifically criticizes their involvement in the logistical passage of the devices used in the attacks, which left at least 37 people dead and injured thousands. Amani firmly denies claims that the pagers were acquired from Iran or utilized for military purposes, insisting instead that they originated from Taiwan. The attacks in question involved the explosion of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies, primarily belonging to members of Hezbollah. These attacks have been classified as war crimes by international observers, provoking widespread fear and alarm throughout Lebanon. Amani contends that some European countries had a direct hand in facilitating these devices by allowing them to pass through their territories. He also raises concerns about the accountability of certain manufacturers in Bulgaria, Norway, and Hungary, which are associated with the production of the explosives that were implanted in the pagers. Furthermore, he states that rumors suggested the cargo of pagers was switched on board a ship, indicating a sophisticated operation behind the attacks. Despite these assertions of foreign complicity, Amani emphasizes that Hezbollah is diligent in purchasing communications devices under Lebanese telecommunications regulations, which would require registration to avoid interference among frequencies. He dismisses allegations that Hezbollah circumvented state authority in these transactions. Amani reflects on his own experience during the attack, where he was injured by an explosion that occurred directly after he had received a notification on his pager. He clarifies that the pagers are used widely in civil society in Lebanon, often distributed among shop owners and educational institutions, which indicates their dual-use as tools for civilian communication during emergencies. In a broader context, the September attacks coincided with an escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, marking a significant rise in tensions in the region. The Lebanese government, responding to the gravity of the situation, has initiated efforts to bring Israel’s actions to international attention, labeling them as aggressive and unjustifiable.

The issue of pager attacks in Lebanon highlights the complex geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly between Iran, Israel, and Hezbollah. The involvement of European countries has further complicated the narrative, raising questions about the extent of foreign influence in regional conflicts. Historically, these tensions have resulted in violent clashes, and the recent attacks marked one of the deadliest incidents Lebanon has faced in years.

In summary, the allegations made by Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon underscore the intricate layers of accountability and foreign involvement in the September pager attacks. Amani’s statements not only reflect the immediate aftermath of these tragic events but also the larger geopolitical struggles at play in the Middle Eastern theater. The call for international awareness and action against such military tactics against civilians remains pressing.

Original Source: www.newarab.com