Iranian influence in Lebanon

Iranian influence in Lebanon dates to the 16th century and has grown considerably during the 20th century, first minimally under the Shah through the interchange of elites, specifically in Beirut and then significantly following the Iranian Revolution and Iran's training and funding of Hezbollah. Iran has had a prominent influence in the social services, education, the economy and politics of Lebanon.

Critics have argued Lebanon provides Tehran access to the Mediterranean as well as regional influence through organizations such as Hezbollah, considered an Iranian proxy which conducts operations in nearby Syria in defense of the Bashar Al Assad regime, an Iranian ally.