By Nohad Topalian | 2025-09-22

The Iranian regime and its proxy Hizbullah continue to undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty by fueling instability, weakening institutions, and smuggling weapons, experts say.

On August 19, Syrian authorities reported seizing a shipment of Grad-type missiles in the Qusayr area of Homs, near the Lebanese border.

The weapons were reportedly dispatched by the Iranian regime for Hizbullah.

Several similar shipments have been intercepted in recent months, underscoring Tehran’s persistent efforts to destabilize Lebanon.

Military expert and former Brig. Gen. Marcel Baloukji said that while Tehran’s arms smuggling to Hizbullah has slowed, it has not stopped.

"It often involves Kornet missiles to bolster Hizbullah’s arsenal," he said.

Baloukji stressed that "Iran’s ongoing smuggling of weapons to Hizbullah undermines the Lebanese state’s efforts to extend its sovereignty and enforce the disarmament plan."

He said Hizbullah’s refusal to surrender its weapons "prevents the state from achieving full sovereignty and continues to destabilize regional security, fuel tensions and undermine peace efforts."

"Hizbullah remains the central tool in Iran’s project to destabilize the Middle East," Baloukji add.

Hizbullah's refusal

The group’s defiance of Lebanon’s disarmament efforts reflects Tehran’s influence rather than domestic policy, said Amjad Iskandar, editor-in-chief of Nidaa al-Watan.

"Hizbullah’s refusal to hand over its weapons is rooted in the Iranian regime’s stance," he said.

"It is no surprise that Hizbullah maintains military activity in the south. It’s also no surprise that Iran continues its attempts to smuggle weapons through Syria, as Tehran insists on keeping Hizbullah armed in Lebanon."

He pointed to the recent visit by Iranian National Security Council chief Ali Larijani to Lebanon as "clear evidence" of Tehran’s intent to strengthen Hizbullah’s position.

Iskandar cautioned that Hizbullah’s rejection of the Lebanese army’s disarmament plan poses grave risks for Lebanon’s stability and recovery.

"Hizbullah’s rejection of the Lebanese army’s disarmament plan poses serious risks," he said. "Arab and international communities may not contribute to Lebanon’s reconstruction, perpetuating the country’s economic woes."

The consequences could extend beyond the economy.

"The second danger of not handing over [Hizbullah’s] weapons is that the state will be caught in a vicious political cycle that prevents it from launching reconstruction, economic development, and tourism," Iskandar warned.

"As long as Hizbullah remains armed, Lebanon and the broader region will remain unstable," he said.