Economy
Iranian funds back Lebanese parliament speaker to ensure Tehran's control
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri receives over $500,000 monthly from the Iranian regime to advance Tehran's interests and block the disarmament of Hizbullah
![Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi (L) meets with Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, Lebanon, on January 9, 2026. [Fadel Itani/ Middle East Images via AFP]](/gc1/images/2026/03/23/55120-araqchi_berri-600_384.webp)
By Nohad Topalian |
Iran International news site revealed last week that Nabih Berri, Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, gets over $500,000 monthly from the Iranian regime to back its interests.
Berri, 88, has been the continuous presiding Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament since 1992, and leading the Amal Movement, since its formation in the 1970s.
He is a dominant Lebanese political figure, closely allied with Hizbullah, wielding significant influence over the nation's domestic and foreign policies.
The Iranian regime's financial support is a calculated, long-term strategy to guarantee Berri steers Lebanon's domestic and foreign policies to serve the regime and Hizbullah.
Political cover for Hizbullah's activities
According to reports, officials in Tehran say the sums are meant to "buy" unity among Lebanon's Shia leadership, ensuring its alignment with the regime's directives.
Furthermore, this funding serves to utilize Berri's influence within the Parliament to block any efforts to disarm Hizbullah.
"This financial arrangement is posited to explain Berri's unwavering protection of Hizbullah and Iran's interests, alongside his striking silence on Hizbullah's dangerous activities, weaponry and its current war with Israel," political writer Marwan al-Amin told Al-Fassel.
On March 1, Hizbullah targeted Israel in support of Tehran retaliating for the killing of the regime's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
"Berri failed to protect his community, history will show, opting to serve as Hizbullah's big brother instead of acting as a savior for his people or for Lebanon's national interests," al-Amin added.
The financial backing to Berri is drawn from a massive $1 billion transferred to Hizbullah in 2025 by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps–Quds Force (IRGC-QF).
These funds are used by the Iranian regime to maintain its influence through Hizbullah within Lebanon's Shia political bloc.
Berri's dynamic leads to excessive support for Hizbullah's Israel operations and explains his reluctance to back government disarmament efforts.
Al-Amin highlighted that even Berri rejected President Joseph Aoun's peace initiative for direct negotiations with Israel to halt the war.
Part of the wealthiest elite
Berri's reported over $500,000 monthly pay from the Iranian regime makes him a top 0.01% wealthiest elite, insulated from Lebanon's harsh economic reality.
Hizbullah, in fact, sparked the 2019 financial crisis, trapping Lebanese people in an economic paradox of high-world prices and low local incomes.
Soaring inflation has made Lebanon's average cost of living a challenge, with monthly expenses of $800–$1,300 needed for a middle-class standard.
According to a political source who preferred to remain anonymous it is "only natural for Berri to receive a monthly financial stipend from the Iranian regime, given his pivotal role in the Shia duo."
"The funding ensures Iran's continued control over the Shia political sphere through Berri, maintaining the discipline of the Amal Movement and aligning policies with the interests of both Hizbullah and the regime," the source told Al-Fassel.
Where are the American sanctions, and what policy is America pursuing? It doesn't provide weapons or equipment to the Lebanese army to confront the extremists seeking to sow chaos in Lebanon, especially Beirut. The Lebanese army is fighting with its bare hands; it lacks tanks and missiles to prove its presence. Lebanese support for America should be rewarded, not ignored.
Disarming Hezbollah is not feasible, as stated by Israeli military leaders, including the Chief of Staff, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Defense. In light of this reality, it appears that the focus is shifting toward pushing Lebanon into internal strife, after failing to achieve this objective through their allies within the country. However, such a course, if pursued, is unlikely to succeed because those who seek it lack the ability to win it, while those who could win understand its costs, and therefore avoid it.
You are definitely an Israeli website—right? I am absolutely certain that you are an Israeli site, so it is only natural that you would write things like this.
There is no power or strength except in Allah, the Exalted, the Almighty.
In every country in the world, anyone who accepts kickbacks from a foreign state—especially public officials—is held accountable; yet in Lebanon, their influence only grows. You are but sheep; as you are, so you shall be ruled.
I do not support this empty regime, which is a regime of hegemony. I stand with the direction of the Lebanese state and alongside it, the virtuous Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
With this approach, you're encouraging America and Israel to continue focusing on creating divisions among Muslims and even within the same sect. Although there are disagreements from time to time, your claims are greatly exaggerated—they are not to the extent that you portray.
Dragging the country into a war with the enemy serves neither Lebanon's interests nor the interests of the Shiites, without a doubt. Lebanon's best interests lie in avoiding war with the enemy, given its limited military and political capabilities. The Lebanese people, especially the Shiites, are incapable of bearing the burdens of war and displacement.
Note: Have compassion for the displaced people, even if you are truly at war. You must prioritize their well-being and livelihoods because the universe resides in the people, not in weapons. Thank you to the readers.
This is high treason against the nation and its citizens in Lebanese politics, and every official in the Lebanese parliament must be brought to justice to face legal action. All their assets and properties must be seized and distributed to Lebanese citizens affected by this war. Furthermore, they should be executed, as this constitutes national treason.
I ask you to speak about everyone who receives payments whether from embassies, from Saudi Arabia, or from other sources. Be honest, open the entire file.
Yes, the truth is he should be suspended and hanged immediately.
Yes, every official in the Lebanese parliament must be brought to trial, and all their assets must be seized. The people have had enough; they can no longer tolerate injustice.
This war means destruction to Lebanon. It has brought nothing but destruction to Lebanon.