Hezbollah Rebuilds Drone Fleet Using Iranian Funds

Hezbollah has spent the last three months rebuilding its military capabilities following a new injection of cash from Iran, according to Lebanese security personnel briefed on the group's activities. The militia is preparing for a potential resumption of hostilities with Israel by focusing on the production of drones and the procurement of explosives.

Two Lebanese security sources stated that the group received tens of millions of dollars from Iran to boost its military capacity. This recent funding is separate from approximately $200 million that the group previously received from Tehran, a sum reported by Reuters earlier this month. The funds are being directed toward restoring infrastructure that was damaged during two wars with Israel since 2024.

During those conflicts, Hezbollah suffered severe losses, with thousands of fighters and many leaders killed and much of its arsenal destroyed. The group, which was founded by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1982, is now working to repair command-and-control structures that broke down during key battles. One security source and three other officials familiar with the operations confirmed that these structures were compromised.

Hezbollah's media office disputed the assessment that its command systems had fallen apart. In response to inquiries from Reuters, the office rejected the suggestion. The Israeli military declined to comment on the reports, while Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations in Geneva did not immediately respond to questions.

The rebuilding effort is taking place while IDF troops occupy a security zone in southern Lebanon. Political pressure in Beirut has increased for the group's disarmament, yet Hezbollah remains committed to attacking Israel. The group has used the lull in hostilities since June to rearm, specifically targeting the development of drones capable of being flown into the Israeli-held zone.

US officials are monitoring the flow of funds closely. A US State Department spokesman said Washington would continue to restrict Hezbollah's finances through sanctions and other measures. A US Treasury spokesperson added that Iran is running out of money and ways to move cash, though the recent transfers suggest Tehran still has resources to deploy.

The group is on alert for a possible escalation between the US and Iran, which could reignite the Lebanon front. Tensions remain high following the US-Israeli war with Iran that began in February. Hezbollah attacked Israel on March 2 in support of Iran, a move that triggered an Israeli response and led to the evacuation of many residents from southern Lebanon.

Hostilities largely abated over the summer due to an interim Iran-US deal that included a Lebanon ceasefire and Washington-mediated talks. Although full-scale hostilities have not resumed since the collapse of that deal, Israel continues strikes on Hezbollah targets in the south. The sources told Reuters that the group has not yet fully prepared its stockpiles or fighting force.

Hezbollah acknowledged this month that explosives seized by Lebanese authorities belonged to the group. A Hezbollah official and a Lebanese security source confirmed to Reuters that the seized items were intended for use in explosive drones. The group is also working to repair capabilities lost on fronts such as the town of Bint Jbeil and the Ali al-Taher ridge.

Lebanese sources said Hezbollah's tactic of operating in small units and rationing anti-tank rockets left some fighters isolated during previous battles. These units struggled to confront Israeli remotely operated systems, including weaponized drones and armed remote-controlled vehicles. The Israeli military stated it uses such systems to monitor southern Lebanon and reduce the threat exposure of its troops.