New York Times: Iran is Assisting Palestinian Militants in the Fight Against Israel - 2002-03-24

The New York Times, citing U.S. and Israeli intelligence officials, reports that Iran is providing assistance to Palestinian militants in their struggle against Israel. An unnamed official stated that Iran has sent millions of dollars and weapons to militant groups. The New York Times reports that two senior aides to Yasser Arafat arranged this cooperation during a secret meeting with Iranian officials in Moscow last May. Israeli and American officials told the newspaper that they believe Mr. Arafat personally agreed to this alleged deal with Iran. Both Palestinians and Iranians have denied any such agreement. Yasser Abed Rabbo, the Palestinian Authority's information minister, called these accusations a fabrication. In January, the Israeli army seized a ship carrying 50 tons of weapons at sea, claiming that Iran intended to send the shipment to the Palestinians. The U.S. government also confirmed Israel's 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.