A NATO-affiliated vessel patrolling Lebanese territorial waters has stepped up its surveillance activities in recent weeks, particularly along the northern coastline near the Port of Tripoli, Nidaa Al-Watan reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. The ship, which has long monitored maritime traffic between Lebanon and Cyprus, has recently expanded its operations further north.

The heightened activity comes amid a broader clampdown on Lebanon’s border crossings and major ports. Following the closure of the Lebanese-Syrian border and stricter controls at Beirut Port and Rafic Hariri International Airport, Iran reportedly sought alternative routes through Turkish ports to maintain supply lines to Hezbollah, the sources said. Tripoli Port became a key target for these operations, and authorities have since uncovered several attempts to smuggle weapons from Turkey into Lebanon.

In response, the NATO vessel shifted from routine patrols near Cyprus to conducting closer inspections of ships headed toward Tripoli and the northern coast. According to the report, the vessel is working closely with the German Navy, which plays a leading role in aspects of the maritime monitoring mission, and is carrying out detailed inspections of arriving vessels.

The NATO ship has remained within Lebanese territorial waters and has broadened its surveillance to cover sections of the northern land border. Its primary mission is to intercept weapons, cash, and gold being smuggled to Hezbollah. Sources said the operation reflects a wider international push to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the full implementation of related resolutions, most notably 1559 and 1680. Resolution 1559, passed under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, authorizes enforcement by force if backed by an international political mandate.

Diplomatic sources told Nidaa Al-Watan that a decision has been made at the international level to move toward active enforcement of these measures. The United States, in particular, is preparing contingency plans should the Lebanese government fail to act. A report from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations across 20 countries including Lebanon, highlights growing U.S.-European cooperation aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities and limiting its political dominance.

According to the report, intelligence-sharing between Washington and its allies has intensified in recent months. The initiative has also received significant backing from key Arab states in the region.

Central to the effort is strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). CENTCOM’s report noted that the LAF has expanded its deployments and taken control of Hezbollah military sites south of the Litani River. Lebanese authorities have been advised to act swiftly to solidify these gains, with warnings that any failure to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure could trigger a more forceful Israeli military response.

The report also outlined Hezbollah’s efforts to rebuild its military and financial networks, including attempts to bolster surveillance units along the southern border with Israel. These activities have prompted Israeli airstrikes targeting newly established observation posts, often disguised as prefabricated homes in border villages. However, the report noted that Hezbollah’s efforts along the border have largely failed, with the group suffering heavy losses among its senior leadership and younger fighters.

Meanwhile, a separate CENTCOM assessment from the ESC-SHADOW21 unit described a growing operational disengagement between the Lebanese army and Hezbollah’s armed wing in southern Lebanon. The report also detailed oversight from a trilateral cell comprising U.S. and French intelligence officers, coupled with Israeli satellite monitoring via the Ofek-16 system. Hezbollah’s military operations are now largely confined to a narrow sector in southeastern Lebanon, it added.

According to sources in Washington, the United States has made a strategic decision to work toward ending Iranian influence in Lebanon. The plan involves dismantling Tehran’s armed proxies — led by Hezbollah — while simultaneously intensifying pressure on Hezbollah’s financial and logistical networks in Western countries. Legal actions are also reportedly underway against individuals close to Hezbollah to politically isolate them and prevent them from advancing the group’s agenda. Several Hezbollah leaders could soon face international arrest warrants as part of the broader campaign.