Iran bans interceptors and walkie-talkies on planes after attacks in Lebanon

Tehran –

Iran has banned pagers and walkie-talkies on all flights after a deadly sabotage attack on Lebanon using the communication device that Israel is accused of.

“The entry of any electronic communication devices, with the exception of mobile phones, into aircraft cabins or … into luggage not accompanying passengers has been prohibited,” said ISNA news agency, citing the spokesman of the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization, Jafar Yazerlo, reported by AFP, Sunday (10/13/2024).

The decision comes three weeks after a sabotage attack targeting members of Lebanon’s ally Hezbollah caused an explosion, killing at least 39 people.

Nearly 3,000 others were injured in the attack, which Iran and Hezbollah blamed on Israel, including Tehran’s ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani.

Earlier this month, Dubai-based airline Emirates banned pagers and walkie-talkies on board its planes.

Regional tensions have risen since the Gaza war began last October, involving Iran-linked groups from Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

Several airlines in recent weeks have suspended flights to Iran following Tehran’s missile attack on Israel on October 1.

Iran fired about 200 missiles at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Tehran-linked terrorist leaders in the region and a general in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Israel has since vowed to retaliate, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said its response would be “lethal, precise and stunning”.

(fast/fast)