08.03.2026 06:31
Lebanese media outlet MTV reported that a Russian cargo plane carrying the bodies of more than 100 Iranian diplomats and 5 members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards took off from Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport.
As the effects of the escalating war between the US-Israel and Iran continue to be felt across the Middle East, diplomatic activity is also noticeably increasing.
While the security balance in the region is being re-evaluated following Israel's recent attacks in Beirut, the development regarding a Russian cargo plane allegedly carrying Iranian officials has made headlines in the international community.
DID IRANIAN DIPLOMATS FLEE?
According to reports from Lebanese media, a Russian-made IL-76 cargo plane departed from Beirut carrying more than 100 Iranian diplomats and some advisors.
THERE ARE BODIES ON THE PLANE
The report claimed that the plane also contained the bodies of 5 members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards who were said to have been killed in Israel's recent attacks in Beirut. The flight, which is said to have occurred during a period when Israel has increased its attacks on Hezbollah and Iran-linked targets, is being viewed as a new indicator of diplomatic and military activity in the region.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT EXPECTED
No official statement has yet been made by Lebanese officials or by Iran and Russia regarding the departure of the Russian cargo plane from Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport. While developments in the region are being closely monitored, clarity on whether the flight was a evacuation of Iranian diplomats for security reasons has not yet been achieved.