Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rasamny, has rejected recent allegations of arms smuggling through the Port of Beirut, asserting that the facility remains under firm security control.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday following an inspection tour of the port, Rasamny emphasized the port’s vital role for all Lebanese and dismissed what he described as “false information” circulating in the media.

“Security at Beirut Port is maintained with an iron grip,” he said. “We will not allow the spread of misinformation.”

His remarks came after Saudi-owned Al-Hadath television cited a Western source claiming that Hezbollah has resumed smuggling weapons into Lebanon via Beirut Port. The report suggested the group had turned to maritime routes following the shutdown of overland and air smuggling channels due to Israeli strikes, the weakening of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, and increased enforcement by Lebanese authorities.

According to the source, Hezbollah’s alleged influence over parts of the port facilitates the arrival of weapons shipments without inspection. The report also claimed that Iran’s Quds Force has established a new sea route to deliver weapons, bypassing Syria altogether. Two units within the Quds Force — Units 190 and 700 — were said to be overseeing the transfers.

Rasamny responded by saying he had met earlier in the day with port security officials, including representatives from army intelligence and Lebanese Customs. All parties, he said, denied filing any complaints or reports related to the recent claims.

“Port operations are continuing with the same discipline we implemented at the airport,” Rasamny said. “We won’t allow anyone to undermine the port’s credibility. We categorically reject the accusations that surfaced yesterday. If there is anything concrete, let them show us the evidence.”

He added that he had instructed security services to tighten surveillance measures at the port to maintain public trust and deter any illicit activity.

“All allegations of weapons smuggling are completely baseless,” Rasamny said. “There is no evidence to support them.”

The minister also stressed the need to address legal and administrative gaps within the port’s management, pledging to review outdated legislation and improve oversight.

“Security is a top priority,” he said. “We need to reassess the legal framework governing the port and its board. Reforms are essential, and the temporary administrative committee will brief me on everything that needs to be addressed. We’re committed to modernization.”