Iranian Plans to Supply Hezbollah with Weapons via Air Routes

24th December 2024

2 minutes read

Iranian Plans to Supply Hezbollah with Weapons via Air Routes

The potential use of aerial routes to supply Hezbollah with weapons constitutes a violation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, threatening to ignite new conflict in the region.

The British newspaper The Times reported that Iran is considering smuggling weapons to its ally, Hezbollah, through direct flights to Lebanon. This initiative aims to help Hezbollah recover from the blows it sustained during the war with Israel, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, which previously served as a key land corridor for transporting weapons to the group.

According to the report, based on Western sources, flights between Tehran and Beirut have resumed but no longer pass through Syrian airspace, potentially making Beirut a key logistical hub for Iranian military supplies.

Using this aerial route would violate the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, increasing the risk of new regional clashes.

The Times further noted that despite its reduced influence in Syria following al-Assad’s fall, Iran seeks to support its remaining regional allies, including militias in Iraq and Yemen, as well as Hezbollah.

Analysts argue that any attempt to use Beirut’s civilian airport for weapons trafficking carries significant risks due to restrictions under the ceasefire agreement. Israel, which remains militarily active in southern Lebanon and the Golan Heights, may respond to such threats.

For years, the resistance has relied on locally manufactured defense systems, including missiles and drones. For example, many of the rockets currently in use, such as the “Fadi” missile, are locally produced. Precision missiles like “Nasr” and “Qader” are often modifications of older models, enhanced with electronic guidance systems.

Retired Israeli General Asaf Orion, in a report published by the Washington Institute, stated that the fall of al-Assad’s regime is a significant blow to Iran and its resistance axis. This disrupts a vital strategic link between Tehran, Baghdad, Damascus, and Beirut, hindering Iranian ambitions to rearm Hezbollah.

He also noted that Russia, while maintaining its bases in Syria, is reducing its military presence, potentially expanding Israel’s operational freedom in the region.

However, this situation may bring emerging threats, including jihadist or radical elements advancing near Israeli borders on the Golan Heights. Instability could also impact neighboring Jordan, a cornerstone of Israeli national security.

In June, Lebanese authorities opened Beirut airport’s cargo warehouses to journalists and diplomats, refuting The Telegraph’s claims that Hezbollah was storing weapons within the airport. The U.S. stated it remains in contact with Lebanese authorities regarding these allegations.