Editing Arms trafficking (section)

=== Iran ===
[[Iran]]'s arms trafficking operations are primarily orchestrated by the [[Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps|Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps']] (IRGC) [[Quds Force]], notably through its specialized units, [[Unit 190]] and [[Unit 700]]. These units are responsible for clandestine weapons transfers to Iranian-aligned groups across the [[Middle East]], including [[Hezbollah]] in [[Lebanon]], [[Hamas]] in [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]], the [[Houthis]] in [[Yemen]], and various militias in [[Syria]] and [[Iraq]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Research |first=Alma |date=2025-02-24 |title=Iran's Military Aid to Hezbollah's Rehabilitation - Involved Units |url=https://israel-alma.org/irans-military-aid-to-hezbollahs-rehabilitation-involved-units/ |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=Alma Research and Education Center |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Unit 190-Weapons Transfer Unit |url=https://www.vsquds.info/%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AA/weapons-transfer/unit-190-weapons-transfer-unit |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=www.vsquds.info |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Probes for New Maritime Routes Into Lebanon |url=https://maritime-executive.com/editorials/iran-probes-for-new-maritime-routes-into-lebanon |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=The Maritime Executive |language=en}}</ref>

Unit 190 specializes in smuggling weapons by land, sea, and air, employing covert methods such as disguising arms shipments as civilian goods and using front companies to obscure the true nature of their operations. Unit 700, led by [[Ali Naji Gal Farsat]], focuses on logistics and maritime smuggling routes, facilitating arms deliveries to Hezbollah via the Port of [[Beirut]]. These operations have adapted to regional dynamics, shifting from overland routes through Syria to maritime channels to evade detection.<ref name=":3" />

In Yemen, Iran's support has significantly enhanced the military capabilities of the Houthi rebels, enabling them to conduct attacks on international shipping and regional adversaries. Despite international sanctions and efforts to curb these activities, Iran continues to provide advanced weaponry and training to the Houthis, contributing to ongoing instability in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran’s Support of the Houthis: What to Know {{!}} Council on Foreign Relations |url=https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/irans-support-houthis-what-know?utm_ |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=www.cfr.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-17 |title=What to know about Yemen's Houthi rebels as the US steps up attacks on Iran-backed group |url=https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-strikes-iran-447f4abb39cc12c7f2f5596f0e33407b |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran-Supported Groups in the Middle East and U.S. Policy |url=https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12587?utm_= |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=www.congress.gov}}</ref>

Iran has also been implicated in attempts to smuggle weapons into the West Bank, aiming to arm Palestinian factions and foment unrest against Israel. Israeli security forces have intercepted multiple shipments of Iranian-made weapons, including advanced arms intended for terror operatives in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Zachary |date=2024-04-10 |title=Iran Floods West Bank With Weapons |url=https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2024/04/10/iran-floods-west-bank-with-weapons/ |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=FDD |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bermudez |first=Krystal |date=2024-11-27 |title=Israel Seizes Deadly Iranian Weapons Destined for West Bank Terrorists |url=https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2024/11/27/israel-seizes-deadly-iranian-weapons-destined-for-west-bank-terrorists/ |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=FDD |language=en}}</ref>