Iran has offered to take over much of Lebanon's military modernization effort. Officials said Iran has offered Lebanon UAVs, missiles, rockets and MBTs, Middle East Newsline reported.

"We welcome any unconditional offer of aid to the Lebanese Army, and if anyone announces they have decided to halt that aid, they are free to make that choice," Murr said.

Hizbullah was also said to have helped bolster Lebanon's military. The Iranian-sponsored militia was said to have helped the Lebanese Army in such areas as communications and reconnaissance.

Officials said the plan envisioned the donation of heavy weapons and combat platforms by Western and Arab states.

"Lebanon will work with friendly countries to provide it with more advanced equipment," Suleiman said.

Officials said the plan called for the modernization of all services in Lebanon's military. They said Suleiman, a former chief of staff, envisions the acquisition of helicopters, fighter-jets, main battle tanks and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Elements of the modernization program have been relayed to several of Lebanon's allies, including France, Iran, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. So far, France and the United States have been deemed the biggest supporters of Lebanon's military.

Russia has offered Lebanon 10 MiG-29 fighter-jets for Air Force modernization. At this point, no delivery schedule has been drafted.

Officials said a suspension of U.S. military aid would hamper Lebanese development. But they said Washington has limited its aid to counter-insurgency rather than offensive capabilities.

"They don't supply planes; they supply spare parts, light equipment and Army training," [Ret.] Lebanese Army Gen. Elias Hanna, a leading Lebanese analyst, said. "They provide many important things. But stopping this will not be catastrophic."

---