Adding another layer of volatility, the United Arab Emirates announced it had dismantled a “terrorist network” allegedly financed and managed by Lebanon’s Hezbollah and its patron, Iran. According to the UAE’s state news agency, the cell operated behind a fake commercial front and was involved in money laundering, terrorism financing, and threats to national security — with the aim of undermining the country’s financial stability.
Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it called a “terrorist conspiracy” against the UAE, denounced Hezbollah’s alleged involvement, and offered Beirut’s cooperation in bringing those responsible to justice.