Saudi Arabia will allow the resumption of Lebanese exports to the kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday. The move ends a years-long ban imposed over concerns linked to Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the resumption “in accordance with the positive steps taken by the Lebanese government,” SPA said.
These steps include “rebuilding state institutions” and “cooperation shown by the Lebanese side in providing the required commitments,” it added.
Saudi Arabia has recently renewed interest in Lebanese politics after years of distancing itself due to the influence of Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has been weakened in recent rounds of fighting with Israel.
According to SPA, the decision was communicated during a Wednesday phone call between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun welcomed the decision in a statement on X, saying it would make a “tangible contribution to reviving the national economy.”
Prime Minister Salam said the move reflected Saudi “confidence in Lebanon” and marked a “significant step” that would support the economy and open new opportunities for Lebanese producers.
Saudi Arabia suspended fruit and vegetable imports from Lebanon in April 2021, claiming shipments were being used for drug smuggling and accusing Beirut of inaction.
A Lebanese government report in 2020 said Saudi Arabia was the top destination for Lebanese agricultural exports in 2019, accounting for 22.1 percent.
Last week, Lebanon’s president and prime minister called on Tehran to stop interfering in Lebanese affairs after Hezbollah rejected a conditional ceasefire with Israel.
Iran has said Lebanon must be included in any agreement to end the wider Middle East war, after Hezbollah opened a front against Israel in support of Iran.
According to SPA, Aoun’s request to Prince Salman led to the resumption of exports. Aoun had been the preferred candidate of both Riyadh and Washington before taking office in January 2025.
He had pledged to establish a new era in which the state holds a “monopoly on weapons” in Lebanon, where Hezbollah remains the only faction retaining arms after the 1975–1990 civil war.
