WSJ Says Iran Routed Over $1 Billion to Hezbollah Through UAE Networks This Year
The investigation traces oil-sale proceeds through Dubai money exchangers to Lebanon via Hawala, with UAE authorities pledging action.
Overview
- U.S. Treasury officials, cited by the Wall Street Journal, say the IRGC’s Quds Force moved more than $1 billion to Hezbollah through the UAE since January.
- Proceeds from Iranian oil sales were funneled via Dubai exchange houses, front companies, couriers and aligned businessmen, then transferred to Lebanon through Hawala and smugglers.
- An Emirati official said the UAE is committed to preventing misuse of its territory for illicit finance and is coordinating with international partners to disrupt the networks.
- A senior U.S. official warned that supplemental routes now run through Turkey and Iraq, broadening the pipeline moving funds to Hezbollah.
- After direct bulk-cash deliveries to Beirut airport were curbed by the November 2024 ceasefire, Iran shifted to smaller couriers and concealed valuables, while Hezbollah also taps narcotics and diamond smuggling for revenue.