Lebanon crisis
Hezbollah playing ‘public relations game’ by importing fuel from Iran to Lebanon: US
For the third time in less than two months, an Iranian fuel tanker docked and unloaded at the Syrian port of Baniyas this week.
Fuel shipments sent from Iran to Lebanon in recent weeks are part of a public stunt by Hezbollah, the US State Department said Thursday.
“Broadly speaking, fuel from a country subject to sanctions like Iran is not, very clearly, a sustainable solution to Lebanon’s energy crisis,” State Department Spokesman Ned Price said at a briefing.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
“We support efforts to find transparent and sustainable energy solutions that will address Lebanon’s acute shortages. This is, in our minds, Hezbollah playing a public relations game, not engaged in constructive problem-solving,” Price added.
For the third time in less than two months, an Iranian fuel tanker docked and unloaded at the Syrian port of Baniyas this week.
The shipments are coming into Lebanon as part of Hezbollah’s claimed efforts to help ease the fuel and energy crisis that has marred Lebanon for months.
Iran has been sending fuel to Lebanon via Syria due to US sanctions that could further devastate a crumbled Lebanese economy if the ships docked in Beirut.
Read more: US talking to Egypt, Jordan to help Lebanon’s fuel, energy needs: Senior US diplomat
Also Read
-
In apparent reference to Hezbollah, UN calls on Lebanon to commit to disassociation
The Security Council also voiced the need for a “swift, independent, impartial, thorough, and transparent investigation” into the Beirut blast. On Monday, the judge investigating the explosion was forced to stop his work after MP Nouhad Machnouk filed a complaint over what he claims is the judge’s “impartiality.” Middle East -
US announces new sanctions on Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Iran’s Quds Force
“Hezbollah, with the support of the IRGC-QF, uses the revenues generated by these networks to fund terrorist activities, as well as to perpetuate instability in Lebanon and throughout the region,” the Treasury Department said. Middle East
