Iranian state visit exposes Lebanon divisions

Mr Ahmadinejad's first state visit to Lebanon comes at a time when tensions have mounted between Iranian-backed Hezbollah and US-allied parties.

The growing crisis has raised fears over the fate of the fragile unity government that includes both sides and has managed to keep a tenuous calm in the conflict-torn nation.

Hezbollah's opponents in Lebanon often brand it a tool of Tehran and fear the movement – which boasts widespread support among Shiites and has the country's strongest armed force – is seeking to impose control over the country.

Hezbollah and its allies, in turn, say their political rivals are steering Lebanon too far into the American camp.

The visit by the leader of Hezbollah's most powerful ally, Iran, throws Lebanon's divisions into sharp relief.

Thousands of Lebanese lined the main highway into the capital from Beirut's airport, where Mr Ahmadinejad arrived. Many waved Lebanese and Iranian flags, and giant posters of Mr Ahmadinejad towered over the road, while loudspeakers blasted anthems and women in the crowd sold Hezbollah flags and balloons to onlookers.

The crowd broke into cheers and threw sweets as the motorcade slowly passed, and Mr Ahmadinejad stood and waved from the sunroof of his vehicle.

But concerns have been raised over the message sent by the Iranian leader's visit.

A group of 250 politicians, lawyers and activists sent an open letter to Mr Ahmadinejad on Tuesday, criticising Tehran's backing of Hezbollah and expressing worry Iran is looking to drag Lebanon into a war with Israel. Iran funds the group to the tune of millions of dollars a year and is believed to provide much of its arsenal.

But even in the mouthpiece newspapers of parties opposed to Hezbollah, criticism of Mr Ahmadinejad was muted, as the government sought to treat the visit like that of any other head of state. The government is headed by the leader of the pro-western factions – prime minister Saad Hariri – but his cabinet includes members both from Hezbollah and fiercely anti-Hezbollah parties.

Mr Ahmadinejad will meet Mr Hariri and Lebanon's president during his visit, which lasts until Friday. But the biggest splash will come from his welcome by Hezbollah. Iran has strong ties to Hezbollah, which in many Shiite areas runs nearly a state-within-a-state.

During his visit, Mr Ahmadinejad is to make public appearances expected to draw giant crowds in two Hezbollah strongholds – one in south Beirut yesterday, and another today in Bint Jbeil, a border village that was bombed during the 2006 Israeli-Hezbollah war, less than three miles from the Israeli border.

The show of support from Iran comes as many Lebanese worry over a possible impending blow to the unity government.

A UN tribunal investigating the 2005 assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri – Saad's father – is expected to indict members of Hezbollah as soon as this month, raising concerns of possible violence between the Shiite force and Mr Hariri's mainly Sunni allies.

Washington has come out against Mr Ahmadinejad's trip. Last week, US State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton raised concerns about the visit with the Lebanese president, Michel Suleiman.

Iran guards die in depot blast

Eighteen members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard were killed in an explosion at an ammunition depot at a military base in western Iran.

Another 14 Guard troops were wounded in the blast yesterday in the city of Khoramabad.

The blast was caused by a fire, but there was no word on what had ignited the blaze. Most Iranian media said it was an accident.

Khoramabad is geographically close to Kurdish-populated areas that have seen attacks by separatist forces.

Iran is battling armed militant and separatist movements in the remote south-east along the border with Pakistan.