Iran Strengthens Its Presence in Brazil as Hezbollah Expands in Universities and Networking

Iran has increased its influence in Brazil through its Al-Mustafa University, which has ties to Hezbollah and has received U.S. and Canadian sanctions. Diplomatic relations between Brazil and Iran are on the rise, highlighted by interactions between top officials in both countries. The U.S. is concerned enough about Hezbollah’s financial activities in the region to offer a $10 million reward for information.

Brazil is witnessing an escalating Iranian influence, particularly in the domain of education and diplomatic relationships. Recently, Ali Abbasi, the director of the Iranian Al-Mustafa University—targeted by U.S. and Canadian sanctions due to its ties with Islamic terrorism—visited the country. This visit is attracting attention amidst ongoing efforts to strengthen Brazil-Iran relations, raising eyebrows concerning Hezbollah’s growing presence in South America.

Reports highlight that Abbasi’s presence coincided with increased cultural and diplomatic exchanges linked to Iran. A recent article in the Argentine publication Infobae detailed how tensions regarding Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group backed by Tehran, are on the rise within Brazil. This situation draws scrutiny as authorities monitor the university’s role in providing support for Shiite militias, particularly in Syria under the regime of Bashar al-Assad, which underwent a shake-up last December.

Al-Mustafa University has reportedly been linked to recruiting efforts on behalf of Iran’s Quds Force, a clandestine arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responsible for foreign operations. In Brazil, the university collaborates with the Salam Institute—a cultural entity funded by Iran—to conduct educational courses across various regions, further embedding Iran’s influence into local societal structures.

Notably, this visit also aligned with a significant diplomatic engagement in Moscow involving high-ranking officials from Brazil and Iran. Celso Amorim, a foreign policy advisor for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, met with Iranian security chief Ali Akbar Ahmadian amidst the backdrop of a high-profile security conference. However, the specifics of their discussion remain undisclosed.

Over the last year, Brazil and Iran have enhanced their diplomatic ties. For instance, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira recently attended a ceremony honoring Ebrahim Raisi, Iran’s former president, who tragically passed away earlier this year. Curiously, the arrival of an Iranian government Airbus A340 in Brasilia last month has sparked questions, particularly as neither government has commented on the visit’s agenda.

In light of Iran’s growing influence in Brazilian educational and diplomatic environments, the U.S. embassy has taken notice. They have offered a notable $10 million reward in return for information relating to Hezbollah’s financial operations within the Triple Frontier area—a region that Brazil shares with Argentina and Paraguay, known for harboring various illicit activities. This move indicates concern about the implications of Hezbollah’s deepening roots in Brazil.

As Hezbollah’s presence expands and Iran’s influence extends into critical sectors in Brazil, there’s rising worry about the broader impact on regional security and counter-terrorism efforts in Latin America. Authorities and experts alike are beginning to grapple with the challenges posed by these developments as they navigate a complex geopolitical landscape.

The article sheds light on Iran’s increasing sway in Brazil, particularly through Al-Mustafa University and collaborations with organizations linked to Hezbollah. As diplomatic ties intensify, concerns grow over security implications for Brazil and the wider Latin American region. The U.S. initiative to offer a reward for Hezbollah-related information underlines the seriousness of the situation, indicating that the intersection of academia, diplomacy, and terrorism is a notable area of concern for authorities.

Original Source: voz.us