Iran is making a renewed push to resupply its regional militia allies, including the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, after a string of military setbacks dealt by Israel and the United States. Recent seizures of advanced weaponry in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon reveal Tehran’s efforts to replenish depleted arsenals and sustain pressure on its adversaries. The shipments included cruise missiles, drone engines, and air-defense components—all pointing to a determined effort by Iran to maintain the operational tempo of its proxies amid a volatile regional climate.

Weapons Seized Across Middle East Borders

Yemeni forces aligned with the internationally recognized government intercepted a record shipment of Iranian missiles and military equipment along the Red Sea coast. The haul—described by U.S. Central Command as the largest ever seized—comprised 750 tons of cruise missiles, warheads, drone parts, and air-defense systems, hidden beneath declared cargo such as air conditioners on a vessel originating from Iran.

Documents written in Farsi and missile components linked to Iranian manufacturers were found aboard the shipment, providing strong evidence of Tehran’s involvement. The equipment included Qader anti-ship missiles and guidance systems for surface-to-air weapons reportedly used by the Houthis to target U.S. drones and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

In Syria, the new government—hostile to Iran—reported seizing multiple Iranian weapons consignments near the Iraqi and Lebanese borders. These included Grad rockets and Kornet anti-tank missiles, some smuggled under the cover of agricultural goods. Similar interceptions occurred in Lebanon, where Hezbollah has struggled to rebuild its arsenal following Israeli strikes and ground incursions.

Iran Reasserts Its Proxy Strategy Despite Cease-Fires

The resupply effort follows a cease-fire that ended Israel’s 12-day campaign against Iran, which saw major hits on its leadership and military infrastructure. Analysts believe Tehran is now rapidly rearming to maintain deterrence and reassert its influence via proxy forces. Mohammed al-Basha of the Basha Report stated the timing “strongly suggests Iran is moving quickly to replenish Houthi stockpiles depleted by U.S. airstrikes.”

Despite official Iranian denials, evidence suggests smuggling routes are being recalibrated through Djibouti and other East African points before crossing into Yemen or the Levant. Hezbollah has resumed limited weapons production locally and continues to smuggle sophisticated arms, albeit in smaller quantities, under tight regional surveillance.

Experts warn that this resurgence in Iranian weapons activity could prolong regional instability, particularly in maritime corridors and contested border areas, as both Israel and the U.S. monitor for further escalation.