Storm Over Iranian Tanker To Lebanon

Iran’s move to send a tanker to Lebanon laden with fuel has triggered a mini-storm. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah warned Israel and the US not to interfere, reflecting concern that the tanker could be attacked in retaliation for the strike on the Israeli-owned tanker the MV Mercer, off the coast of Oman recently. Bankrupt Lebanon (minus a government) desperately needs the fuel and Hezbollah sees an opportunity to burnish its image in the country. But opposition politicians say Iran is trying to further its influence in Lebanon through its proxy Hezbollah.