By Nohad Topalian | 2026-02-25

Exploiting diplomatic flights to Lebanon, the Iranian regime is using commercial carriers to send suitcases filled with US dollars, replenishing Hizbullah’s financial resources.

Recent reports indicate that tens of millions of dollars were transferred to Hizbullah through Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport by Iranian diplomats using diplomatic immunity.

Iran International reported on February 11 that six Iranian diplomats carried suitcases of US dollars on commercial flights as part of these transfers to Lebanon.

Among those implicated are Mohammad Ebrahim Taherian-Fard, the former ambassador to Türkiye, and Mohammad Reza Shirkhodaei, a veteran diplomat and former consul general in Pakistan.

Other individuals named are Shirkhodaei's brother Hamid Reza, Reza Nedaei, Abbas Asgari, and Amir-Hamzeh Shiranirad, a former employee of the Iranian embassy in Canada.

Taherian-Fard traveled to Beirut in January with Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi, using diplomatic immunity to bypass airport inspection carrying a suitcase full of dollars.

Iran International reported that Supreme Leader adviser Ali Larijani also smuggled "hundreds of millions of dollars" through Beirut airport in October.

Exploiting diplomatic immunity

"Araqchi and Larijani's entourages are smuggling millions in cash to Hizbullah, and the total amount transferred to replenish the group's capabilities remains unknown," said political writer Mohammad Barakat.

"They exploited diplomatic channels, immunity, and Beirut Airport to smuggle funds to the financially strained party and maintain Iran's military and strategic influence through Hizbullah," he added.

Hizbullah suffered a severe financial crisis due to heavy war losses against Israel and the cutting of its smuggling route through Syria.

The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 severed the "land bridge" that Iran used to transfer funds to Lebanon through Syria and Iraq.

The new Syrian authorities took a firm stance against Hizbullah, dismantling numerous drug and arms smuggling networks and intercepting their shipments.

Impact of US Sanctions

Due to the significant impact of US sanctions on Hizbullah's finances, Iran is now relying on Beirut Airport to smuggle tens of millions of dollars.

Iranian diplomats transported cash in suitcases on commercial flights to bypass security, turning the Lebanese airport into a smuggling hub.

"Iran funds Hizbullah to keep it on high alert, considering the group its first line of defense," political analyst Tony Boulos told Al-Fassel.

"To fund and launder money for Hizbullah, Iranian diplomats exploit their diplomatic immunity, Beirut airport, and illicit avenues including gambling, cryptocurrencies, shell companies, businessmen, and restaurants," he added.