A convoy of tankers crossed the Syrian-Lebanese border on Thursday, an eyewitness and the Al-Manar television station, which belongs to the pro-Iranian Hezbollah, reported. The delivery of the fuel is intended to alleviate the consequences of the severe economic and supply crisis in Lebanon.
Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah announced it about a month ago. The delivery is considered a propaganda success for the Shiite organization. Their supporters waved Hezbollah flags to greet the tankers. According to the media, Lebanese businessmen financed the oil import. According to Nasrallah, it will supply clinics and other important facilities.
Lebanon has been suffering from the worst economic and financial crisis in its history for around two years. Around three quarters of the population now live below the poverty line. Because foreign exchange is running out, there is a lack of money to import oil and other essential goods. Every day there are long lines of desperate drivers in front of petrol stations, hoping for petrol.
Al-Manar reported that the “American blockade” would be broken with the convoy. Nasrallah said in a TV address on Monday with a view to the US sanctions, in order not to embarrass Lebanon, a tanker with the Iranian oil initially docked in Syria. Hezbollah supports the Syrian government in the civil war there. At the same time, Nasrallah announced further oil deliveries.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that Iran had the legitimate right to deliver oil to its allies. No country is allowed to prohibit or prevent this.
The United States withdrew from the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018 and imposed sanctions on the country, including to prevent the export of oil. The Lebanese Hezbollah is a close ally of Tehran and receives support from there.