Thousands of cheering Lebanese welcomed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Lebanon on Wednesday, throwing rose petals and sweets at his motorcade at the start of a visit that underscores deep divisions within this tiny Arab nation.

The visit by the leader of Iran — Hezbollah's most powerful ally — throws Lebanon's divisions into sharp relief.

Hezbollah's opponents in Lebanon often brand it a tool of Iran and fear the movement is seeking to impose control over the country. Hezbollah boasts widespread support among Shiites, virtually runs a state-within-a-state in Shiite areas, and has the country's strongest armed force. Iran funds Hezbollah to the tune of millions of dollars a year and is believed the supply much of its arsenal.

"Ahmadinejad is a big leader in the region because of his words about the resistance," he said, referring to Iran's support for what Hezbollah touts as its armed resistance to Israel.

A group of 250 politicians, lawyers and activists sent an open letter to Ahmadinejad on Tuesday, criticizing Tehran's backing of Hezbollah and expressing worry Iran was looking to drag Lebanon into a war with Israel.

"We expressed our concern about it given that Iran, through its association with groups like Hezbollah, is actively undermining Lebanon's sovereignty," Crowley said in Washington.