Meanwhile, Hezbollah has found itself in the odd position of coming to Hariri's defense. Hezbollah's leader and one of Lebanon's most powerful figures, Hassan Nasrallah, has speculated openly that Hariri was being held against his will and even said that it appeared Saudi Arabia forced the resignation. Lebanon is no stranger to intrigue and suspense. Its modern history is full of assassinations, kidnappings and wars that left tens of thousands dead and missing. But the mysterious circumstances surrounding Hariri's resignation have triggered a torrent of rumors — and much trepidation.A senior Lebanese official said Thursday that Hariri had not been heard from since Saturday. "We don't know anything. All I can confirm is that we have not heard from him since and he has not returned," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Aides to Hariri in Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, said his decision to remain in the kingdom was due to intelligence reports that he was a target for assassination. The aides, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter, said Hariri was also demanding that Hezbollah stop trying to impose Iran's agenda on the Lebanese government.