2.2.1. Relations with Iran

2.2.1. Relations with Iran

Relations between Iran and Lebanon have become more significant following the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979 and the creation of Hezbollah by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in 1982.127 Iran has supported Hezbollah politically, socially128 and financially.129 Meanwhile, the Iranian authorities claim having good relations with the new government of Lebanon while stating that ‘the Hezbollah resistance movement [is] an inseparable part of the Lebanese government’.130

At the time of writing, Iran continued supporting Hezbollah,131 which led to diplomatic tensions with the Lebanese government.132 The new Lebanese government forms closer ties with the new government in Syria, as well as with Saudi Arabia, while it takes distance from the Iranian axes.133 The new Lebanese President stated that ‘Lebanon is exhausted by others’ wars on its soil,’ and called on Iran to support Lebanon’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty.134 Iran continued projecting its influence in Lebanon mainly through longstanding support for Hezbollah, which, according to the International Crisis Group, constitutes a multilayered security concern from Israel’s perspective due to the party’s military, financial, and ideological ties to Tehran and its role in the regional ‘axis of resistance’.135