Iran's Assistance to Palestinian Guerrillas - 2002-03-24

In media reports, citing American and Israeli intelligence officials, it has been stated that Iran is assisting Palestinian militants in their struggle against Israel. An unnamed official mentioned that last year, advisors to Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian leader, signed an agreement with Iranian officials in Moscow. The New York Times reported that since then, Iran has sent millions of dollars and heavy weapons to militant groups. American and Israeli officials told the New York Times that they believe Mr. Arafat personally approved the deal with Iran. Both Palestinians and Iranians have denied any claims of cooperative agreements. The New York Times noted that Yasser Abed Rabbo, the information minister of the Palestinian Authority, called these accusations a fabrication of lies. In January, the Israeli army seized a ship carrying 50 tons of weapons at sea and announced that Iran intended to send the shipment to the Palestinians. The U.S. government also confirmed the Israeli intelligence report. Palestinian officials stated that Iran is not involved in the current Palestinian uprising and that Mr. Arafat was unaware of the weapons shipment.