Tehran’s Puppet Strings: How a Split in Iran is Destroying Hezbollah’s Unity
Hezbollah is facing a historic internal collapse as a major rift between pragmatists and hardliners mirrors the chaos in Tehran, leaving the terror group struggling to decide whether to freeze its weapons or face total extinction.
A Crossroads of Terror
Hezbollah finds itself at a dangerous breaking point. According to reports from the Emirati news outlet Erem News, the deep fractures within the Iranian regime are now manifesting within the ranks of Hezbollah in Lebanon. This internal war of ideas has split the group into two distinct camps: one that favors a tactical retreat to save the organization, and another that insists on maintaining its military arsenal at any cost.
“Hezbollah is currently going through one of its most critical organizational and political stages since its establishment, against the backdrop of unprecedented regional changes and complex pressures,” Lebanese sources stated. These pressures include the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the disruption of supply lines, and the overwhelming military force exerted by Israel during the current war.
The Pragmatists vs. The Hardliners
The first camp, described as the "realistic" or pragmatic wing, believes that the changing regional climate and international pressure make their traditional approach unsustainable. This group does not suggest surrendering their weapons immediately but supports freezing their use and opening coordination channels with the Lebanese army to avoid a total war that could lead to the group's extinction.
In contrast, the hardline faction views their weapons as the group’s only reason for existence. They believe any discussion of disarmament is a trap designed to rob them of their remaining power. This faction is pushing for a covert and gradual reconstruction of their military capabilities while insisting on responding to Israeli actions, even if such responses remain restrained for now.
The Tehran Connection
While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lean toward a more pragmatic approach to reduce international pressure, the final say remains with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In the eyes of Khamenei’s inner circle, Hezbollah is an indispensable strategic asset.
Current Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem is reportedly attempting to navigate this sensitive transition by making internal appointments aimed at stabilizing the ranks. However, the influence of Tehran remains absolute. Earlier this week, Ali Akbar Velayati, a close advisor to Khamenei, met with Abdullah Safi al Din, Hezbollah’s representative in Tehran. While Safi al Din is not seen as a direct rival to Qassem, he is considered a pivotal figure with direct access to the highest levels of Iranian decision making. “The extremists have the power to block and veto with clear Iranian support, while the pragmatists are able to manage the current stage and moderate friction,” the sources concluded.