Iran considering aerial routes to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah

With flights between Tehran and Beirut resuming, the Islamic Republic may look to turn the Lebanese capital into a center for its deliveries. 

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF DECEMBER 23, 2024 08:09 Updated: DECEMBER 23, 2024 08:38

An illustrative image of a Hezbollah flag in the backdrop of an individual holding a weapon. (photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)

Iran is considering smuggling weapons to Hezbollah via air to Lebanon since the overland routes it previously used in Syria are no longer practicable, according to a Times report on Monday, citing a source with knowledge of the matter. 

With flights between Tehran and Beirut resuming, the Islamic Republic may look to turn the Lebanese capital into a center for its deliveries. 

'Next escalation'

The West is “concerned that Iran has lost [Damascus as] its go-to airport in the region for smuggling weapons and is now trying to turn Beirut airport into its new logistics hub, just as they did in Syria,” the source was cited as saying. 

The source further noted that this "could lead to the next escalation."

The Iranian flag flutters outside the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna, Austria, March 6, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/LEONHARD FOEGER/FILE PHOTO)

Recently, the rebel regime in Syria, led by Abu Muhammad al-Julani, announced its decision to prevent Iranians from flying over Syrian skies.

Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.