Sa'ar: 'Troubling developments' regarding Iran's nuclear weapons

"There is an increased Iranian effort to smuggle money to Lebanon for Hezbollah, including via Turkey," the foreign minister said.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar speaks at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, February 17, 2025 (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar speaks at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, February 17, 2025
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)

Iran is attempting to make amends for its reduced power following regional developments in the Middle East by achieving nuclear weapons, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Monday.

“There is an increased Iranian effort to smuggle money to Lebanon for Hezbollah in order to restore its power and status in Lebanon, including via Turkey and through its cooperation,” he told a delegation of senators and US deputy envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus.

Sa’ar said the Islamic Republic’s efforts were troubling.

Regarding the Houthis, the foreign minister said a regional coalition was required to defeat them.

US troops in Syria 

Sa’ar also addressed the withdrawal of US troops from Syrian territory, noting he did not believe such a move was correct for the time being.

 Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar speaks at the Foreign Ministry. February 17, 2025. (credit: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS)
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar speaks at the Foreign Ministry. February 17, 2025. (credit: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS)

The foreign minister cited efforts to bar Kurdish autonomy in explaining his opinion.