Hezbollah’s Appeal to Saudi Arabia Guided by Iran, Sources Say

Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese group, recently asked Saudi Arabia to “turn a new page” and set aside past differences, aiming to build a united front against Israel. Sources close to the group and Iranian officials told Reuters that this move was strongly influenced by Iran, Hezbollah’s main backer. The appeal comes at a time when Lebanon faces growing international pressure to disarm Hezbollah.

Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, made the appeal in a public speech last week. He encouraged Saudi Arabia to put old disputes behind and focus on regional unity. Observers say this step shows that Hezbollah is worried about losing influence in Lebanon, especially as the United States pushes for a plan to disarm the group. Israel’s ongoing air strikes in Lebanon also increase the pressure on Hezbollah.

Iran, which supports Hezbollah, reportedly guided the group’s decision to reach out to Riyadh. According to sources, Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, recently visited Saudi Arabia. After this visit, Hezbollah received a signal from Iran to show goodwill toward Saudi Arabia. The group believed that recent regional events, such as Israeli strikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar, may have made it possible to reconsider old tensions.

Saudi Arabia, a Sunni-majority nation, has long considered Hezbollah a terrorist organization. The kingdom sees the group as exercising too much influence in Lebanon on Iran’s behalf. Riyadh has consistently supported disarming Hezbollah and has not indicated any changes in its stance despite the group’s appeal. Saudi officials did not respond to requests for comment regarding Hezbollah’s outreach or its weapons policy.

The question of Hezbollah’s weapons has long divided Lebanon. The issue is becoming more urgent as international pressure increases. The United States has repeatedly urged Lebanon to adopt a clear plan to disarm Hezbollah, while Israel continues military actions in response to security threats.

Iran’s involvement reflects its concern over Hezbollah’s standing in the region. Tehran fears that its main Lebanese ally could lose ground after major setbacks during last year’s conflict with Israel. By encouraging Hezbollah to appeal to Saudi Arabia, Iran hopes to create a more cooperative environment in the region, or at least reduce tensions temporarily.

The move is significant because it shows the complex network of influence in the Middle East. Hezbollah relies on Iran for military, financial, and political support. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, one of the region’s most powerful Sunni nations, remains wary of Iran and its allies. Any attempt by Hezbollah to improve ties with Riyadh is therefore highly sensitive and likely driven by strategic advice from Tehran.

While Hezbollah’s appeal is public, the group only acted after consulting with Iran. Sources familiar with Hezbollah’s thinking explained that the group did not independently decide to reach out. Instead, Iranian advisers encouraged Qassem to show goodwill, believing the timing could be favorable to reduce hostility between Hezbollah and Saudi Arabia.

Analysts note that while Hezbollah’s outreach may appear conciliatory, it does not necessarily signal any major shift in the group’s military posture. Hezbollah continues to maintain a strong armed presence in Lebanon, and the disarmament debate remains unresolved. For now, the group seems focused on managing international pressure while keeping its core influence intact.

This development highlights the continuing influence of Iran in Lebanon and the wider Middle East. Tehran continues to shape Hezbollah’s strategy and regional diplomacy. At the same time, Saudi Arabia remains firm on its position regarding disarmament, showing that longstanding rivalries in the region are far from resolved.

Lebanon now finds itself in a delicate position. It must balance relations with Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Israel, while managing the power and influence of Hezbollah internally. The coming months may be crucial in determining whether Hezbollah’s appeal leads to any meaningful dialogue or simply underscores the ongoing complexities of Middle Eastern politics.

Disclaimer:
This report is based on information available from sources and Reuters reporting. It is intended for general informational purposes and does not represent the official stance of any government or organization.