Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, lost one eye and sustained serious injuries to the other in the pager explosion on Thursday, The New York Times reported.
The explosion has escalated tensions in the region, which is already on edge due to recent conflicts. At least nine people were killed, and around 3,000, including Hezbollah fighters and medics, were injured.
Initial reports from Qatari state media stated that Amani’s injuries were minor. However, Iranian sources, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), later confirmed the extent of his injuries. Amani is expected to be transported to Tehran for further medical treatment, along with two injured bodyguards.
The explosions, attributed to tampered pagers, happened in Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon. Hundreds of Hezbollah members were hurt in the southern suburbs of Beirut, causing panic among the group’s supporters.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the attacks and expressed willingness to evacuate Amani and other victims for treatment in Iran. Hezbollah has accused Israel of orchestrating the explosions amid heightened tensions following Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023.
