The Shadow of Iran’s Influence in Latin America: Hezbollah’s Reach in Venezuela and Beyond

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close and Muslims around the world celebrate Eid, reflecting on the lessons of the month and the renewal of faith, a far more ominous reality is unfolding in the shadows of Latin America. It is a reality shaped not by the spirit of peace and reconciliation inherent in the celebration, but by a dangerous convergence of geopolitical forces that could destabilize the region and reverberate globally. The threat comes from Iran, its proxies, and the increasing reach of radical groups like Hezbollah, which have established a deep foothold in Latin America—particularly in Venezuela. The region, often seen as distant from the Middle Eastern power struggles, has become a central arena for Iran’s expansionist ambitions, posing a serious security threat that demands urgent attention.

This reality is not a distant threat; it is a present and growing danger. The presence of Iran and its proxies in Latin America, under the cover of diplomacy, religious and cultural outreach, and humanitarian assistance, is a well-organized network. Its true intentions go far beyond any benign ideological or religious activities. It’s about establishing a foothold in the Western Hemisphere, gaining access to critical resources, and recruiting and indoctrinating local populations to spread Iran’s radical agenda. Venezuela has served as the epicentre of this Iranian-backed network, with President Nicolás Maduro’s regime providing protection and support to Iranian agents of influence, particularly Hezbollah operatives and officials of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).