Regional tensions rise as Hezbollah acts in Iran’s shadow

For years, Hezbollah has sought to portray itself as a Lebanese “resistance” movement with domestic political legitimacy. But recent events suggest that distinction is increasingly difficult to sustain.

In a message posted Monday on X, Anthony Samrani, editor-in-chief of L'Orient-Le Jour, argued that for the first time since its creation, Hezbollah is no longer pretending to be anything other than an extension of the Islamic Republic. His remarks followed the group’s launch of missiles and drones toward Israel, reportedly in response to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran.

The attack triggered swift political condemnation inside Lebanon, where many fear further escalation could drag the country into another devastating conflict. Critics argue that Hezbollah’s military decisions are increasingly tied to the strategic interests of Iran rather than Lebanon’s fragile national interest.

Since its emergence in 1982, Hezbollah has evolved from a militia into a dominant political and military actor. 

Backed financially and militarily by Tehran, it operates a parallel armed structure outside state control. Opponents contend that this dynamic has contributed to Lebanon’s prolonged political paralysis and economic collapse, undermining sovereignty and weakening state institutions.

The latest strike reinforces concerns that Lebanon remains vulnerable to regional power struggles beyond its control. 

As tensions rise, the debate over Hezbollah’s role, resistance movement, political party, or regional proxy, appears increasingly settled in the eyes of its critics.