Iran may insist Hizbullah fights on its behalf
The Economist
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Iran's influence in Lebanon through its proxy, Hezbollah, appears to be waning as public interest in the group's leadership diminishes. Naim Qassem, Hezbollah's current leader, has struggled to capture attention during his speeches—a stark contrast to the captivating addresses of former leader Hassan Nasrallah. This decline reflects broader challenges for Iran's proxy, which is facing growing disinterest from Lebanese citizens and internal pressures such as economic struggles and political instability in Lebanon.
The article highlights the high cost of maintaining Hezbollah as a proxy force for Iran. The group’s reduced influence could have significant implications for Iran’s foreign policy and regional strategy. As Hezbollah’s role weakens, it may limit Iran’s ability to project power in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon where the group has traditionally played a central role.
From a business perspective, this shift could impact regional stability and economic relations. If Hezbollah's influence continues to decline, it may lead to broader political instability in Lebanon, which could affect trade and investments in the region. Additionally, the strain on Iran’s resources due to its proxy conflicts might divert attention and resources away from its own domestic economic challenges.
Ultimately, the long-term viability of Hezbollah as a reliable proxy for Iran remains uncertain. This situation underscores the complexities of Iran's foreign policy in the
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Originally published on The Economist on 2/26/2026