Fear over potential US strike on Iran puts Lebanon on edge
Deutsche Welle
February 26, 2026
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Tensions between the US and Iran are heightening concerns in Lebanon, where the country's fate hangs precariously in the balance. While Lebanon's government maintains a stance of neutrality, Hezbollah, a powerful Iranian-backed group, has made it clear that any attack on Iran would be viewed as an attack on Lebanon itself. This could potentially drag the country into a conflict with Israel, which has warned of severe consequences if Hezbollah becomes entangled in a US-Iran war. The situation is further complicated by Lebanon's ongoing efforts to disarm Hezbollah, a process that remains incomplete and contentious.
Hezbollah's secretary-general Naim Qassem has repeatedly stated that the group would not hesitate to respond to any US aggression against Iran. This stance has raised fears among Lebanese officials and analysts about the potential for renewed conflict with Israel. Recent history shows that Hezbollah and Israel have already clashed extensively, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. The reconstruction costs from their last confrontation are estimated at $11 billion, highlighting the devastating impact of such conflicts on Lebanon's economy and stability.
The situation is further complicated by Hezbollah's fragmented state following recent wars with Israel. While the group has managed to rearm partially, its capacity remains weaker than before. This dynamic creates uncertainty about how effective Hezbollah would be in a future conflict. Meanwhile, Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has emphasized the importance of disarming Hezbollah beyond Phase 1, which refers
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/26/2026