Iran seeking new routes to send money to Hezbollah - Asharq Al-Awsat
Iran has sought new ways to move cash to Hezbollah, including a request to Baghdad for unusual access at a western border crossing with Syria, Asharq Al-Awsat reported on Thursday.
An unnamed senior Iraqi official told the paper he “did not respond to the Iranian message because of political and security complications.” The report said Iranian networks of smugglers in Syria and Lebanon have recently stepped up attempts to deliver funds despite tighter monitoring.
Asharq Al-Awsat, citing political sources, said US Senator Lindsey Graham told Lebanese lawmakers last month that Washington had intelligence of millions of dollars reaching Hezbollah and wanted to know how the funds were smuggled.
In 2020, the US State Department estimated that Iran gave Hezbollah $700 million a year.
Pressure to disarm Hezbollah
The report comes as Lebanon faces internal and external pressure over Hezbollah’s arsenal. Last month, President Joseph Aoun told visiting Iranian security chief Ali Larijani that no group should bear arms or rely on foreign backing. He warned against interference while affirming openness to cooperation based on sovereignty and mutual respect, according to Al Arabiya.
Larijani responded by saying Iran did not interfere in Lebanon’s affairs and that “any decision taken by the Lebanese government in consultation with the resistance is respected by us.” He urged Beirut to “always appreciate the value of resistance,” describing Israel as Lebanon’s real enemy.
Hezbollah rejects disarmament
Days later, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem warned that efforts to strip the group of weapons could lead to war. “The resistance will not hand over its weapons,” he said at a rally in Baalbek, vowing a “Karbala-like battle” if necessary.
Qassem described Hezbollah’s arsenal as central to Lebanon’s sovereignty and credited Iran for its financial, military and political support. He also warned the Lebanese government against confronting the group, saying such action would leave “no life” in the country.
Lebanon’s cabinet had ordered the army last month to collect Hezbollah’s weapons, the most detailed disarmament push yet, with US backing. Tehran strongly criticized the move, calling it a Western-imposed plan.
