Iran Denies Funding Hezbollah Through Beirut as Lebanon Faces Financial Strain
Iran has denied allegations of transferring cash to Hezbollah via Beirut airport, clarifying that such claims are Israeli rumors meant to harm Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts. Hezbollah also refuted these allegations, labeling them as attempts to justify Israeli attacks. Amid pressures to reform its economy, Lebanon is on a grey list for financial monitoring, affecting potential foreign aid and reconstruction.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei has rejected allegations suggesting that Iran is transferring cash to Hezbollah through Beirut airport. He characterized these claims as rumors propagated by Israel, aimed at undermining Lebanon’s recovery efforts amidst increasing global financial strain on the country. The allegations were initially reported by the Wall Street Journal, citing a U.S. defense official’s statement regarding Iranian diplomats allegedly delivering significant funds to Hezbollah through Turkish channels.
Hezbollah has also countered these claims, with a member of the organization stating that such reports are fabrications by Israeli and American sources. The lawmaker asserted that the accusations serve as pretexts for Israeli attacks and a rationale for the failure of ceasefire agreement enforcement. He emphasized that these false narratives are intended to justify Israel’s ongoing assaults, which often result in civilian casualties under the guise of targeting Hezbollah.
Earlier this year, security protocols at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport led to scrutiny of an Iranian commercial flight due to suspicions that it was carrying money for Hezbollah. Airport authorities ordered the Mahan Air flight to be inspected before landing, as there were concerns about financial aid being sent to the Iran-aligned group. Diplomatic bags aboard the flight were briefly challenged by security checks, leading to delays in passenger disembarkation until further clarification was provided.
Lebanon is currently facing intensified international pressure to address its informal cash economy, further exacerbated by a recent designation by the FATF placing Lebanon on a “grey list” for enhanced monitoring of financial transactions. This move highlights the need for Lebanon to clamp down on illegal funding channels and activities such as customs evasion to secure foreign aid for reconstruction efforts following significant damage from Israeli airstrikes.
Without essential reforms, international donors are likely to withhold financial assistance, thereby complicating Lebanon’s recovery process. The pressure to reform is motivated by a need to restrict Hezbollah’s capacity to receive illicit funds, which poses challenges to the nation’s compliance with global financial regulations.
The article discusses the accusations against Iran regarding the financial support for Hezbollah amid Lebanon’s ongoing financial crisis. The context includes Lebanon’s placement on the FATF’s grey list, which entails increased scrutiny aimed at combating money laundering and terrorism financing. The challenges Lebanon faces in securing foreign aid and the implications of Hezbollah’s funding methods are pivotal to the nation’s economic stability and reconstruction prospects.
In summary, Iran’s denial of transferring funds to Hezbollah via Beirut airport underscores the geopolitical tensions between Iran, Israel, and the Lebanese government. The insistence from both Iran and Hezbollah dismissing the claims as fabrications reveals the complexity of the situation in Lebanon, especially in light of the international pressure for reforms. Lebanon’s ongoing struggles with its cash-driven economy further complicate its recovery and the potential for future foreign assistance.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
