The Lebanese Minister of Energy in the caretaker government stated on Wednesday that he has not received any request to import Iranian fuel, seemingly confirming that the Hezbollah group has bypassed the state in its efforts to import fuel from Iran. The armed group, established by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in 1982, announced last month that a shipment of Iranian oil was on its way to Lebanon to help alleviate the severe supply shortages, and later announced two additional shipments.
Hezbollah holds much more influence than other Lebanese factions and has been part of the ruling system for years. Essential activities and services in Lebanon have had to close or reduce operations due to the fuel crisis resulting from a broader financial collapse. Hezbollah's opponents argue that the group's decision undermines state authority further and places Lebanon under the threat of U.S. sanctions.
The first shipment has not arrived yet, and Hezbollah has not disclosed any details regarding its destination. In response to a question about the Iranian shipment, Minister Raymond Ghajar told reporters, "Our role is limited to issuing import permits... We have not received a request for a permit." When asked if this implies that the ship is coming without permits, Ghajar replied, "We have no information. No permission has been requested from us. That's all I am saying."
Tanker tracking service TankerTrackers stated that satellite images showed on Wednesday that the second and third tankers have not yet set sail. The tracking company added, "The first tanker should be in the southern Red Sea now. We are awaiting visual confirmation."
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Shiite and ally of Hezbollah, and one of the most prominent figures in power, stated on Tuesday that he welcomes any support, including from Iran, to help Lebanon out of its crisis.
