Lebanese Anti-Hezbollah Camp Criticizes Qatar Over Iran Role

Lebanese political figures opposed to Hezbollah are criticizing Qatar, accusing it of helping Iran expand its influence in Lebanon, according to a report Friday on Kan News. The criticism comes as Qatar has become the main mediator between the United States and Iran, replacing Pakistan in that role, while also gaining a central position in Lebanon.

A political source from a party in the anti-Hezbollah camp told Kan News that “Qatar is playing a negative role in its moves in Lebanon, which allow Iran to continue to maintain its foothold.” The source said Doha is acting on the assumption that Hezbollah cannot be disarmed without Iranian consent.

According to the source, Qatar is trying to bring the Iranians in by making them a supposed partner in a solution, referring to a mechanism to prevent clashes in Lebanon that was drafted in negotiations in Switzerland. The source also said Lebanon’s leadership, which wants to push back Iranian influence, is displeased behind the scenes with Qatar’s role, but does not want to confront Doha openly.

The report said Qatar is determined to prevent Iran from exacting a price in the Strait of Hormuz because of Qatar’s own economic interests and those of other Gulf states. In Lebanon, however, Qatar is showing flexibility toward Iranian involvement, which the source said could indicate a possible covert deal between Doha and Tehran.