Although Tehran has long supported Hamas, Iranian officials say their country was not involved in Saturday’s militant attack on its arch-enemy, Israel.
Nevertheless, the United States fears that a second front could open up on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon if Hezbollah, another well-armed Islamist group backed by Iran, intervenes.
“Officials from some countries are approaching us and asking about the possibility of a new front opening (against Israel) in the region,” Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani. Shia Sudan).
“We are telling them that our clear answer regarding future options is this: everything depends on the actions of the Zionist regime in Gaza,” he said, according to a statement from Iran’s foreign ministry.
“Even now, Israel’s crimes continue, and no one in the region asks us for permission to open new fronts,” the minister said.
Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday, invading its territory and launching rocket attacks. Israel carried out retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip. Hamas militants killed 1.2 thousand people in Israel. people, mostly civilians, and took about 150 hostages. Israeli strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip claimed more than 1,400 lives. people’s lives.
Since Saturday, the West has been cautious about Iran, but its leaders have warned Tehran in no uncertain terms against intervening in the war.
US President Joe Biden (Joe Biden) said on Wednesday that he “made it clear to the Iranians: Be careful”.
H. Amir-Abdollahian will travel to Lebanon from Iraq. Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group, said on Wednesday it had fired rockets into Israel, which shelled southern Lebanon.
There were similar reports earlier this week.
Speaking to his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi appealed to “all Islamic and Arab countries” for “serious convergence and cooperation to stop the Zionist regime’s crimes against the oppressed Palestinian people.”
Hamas is the Palestinian militant group that rules the Gaza Strip and has been involved in several wars with Israel since taking over the Gaza Strip in 2007. The group has been recognized as a terrorist by Israel, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and some other countries.
Hamas is supported by Iran, financing the purchase of weapons, supplying them and providing military training. Hamas has a political office in Qatar, where some of its leaders are based.
2.3 million people live in the Gaza Strip. people, but Israel, with the help of Egypt, has imposed a blockade on the territory since 2007 – it has restricted the entry of goods into the territory and their departure from it by water, sea or air, as well as the ability of the Palestinians themselves to leave the territory, except for a few tens of thousands of workers.
Israel’s military announced earlier Thursday that it was preparing for a ground offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, but the country’s political leaders have yet to make a decision.
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How is Iran’s strategy of reactive engagement affecting its relationships with other countries in the region?
**Interview with Dr. Leila Hassan, Middle East Affairs Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hassan. Recent events have escalated tensions in the region, particularly following Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel. Iran has historically supported Hamas, yet Iranian officials claim not to be involved in this latest attack. How do you interpret Iran’s position?
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to note that while Iran has long been a supporter of Hamas, their claim of non-involvement suggests a calculated strategy. By distancing themselves from the attack, they can maintain plausible deniability and avoid direct confrontation with Israel and the West. This allows Iran to support its ally without facing immediate backlash, while also keeping their options open for future actions based on Israel’s response.
**Interviewer:** That makes sense. The U.S. seems concerned about a possible escalation involving Hezbollah in Lebanon. What are the implications if Hezbollah decides to intervene?
**Dr. Hassan:** A conflict involving Hezbollah would significantly change the dynamics of the situation. Hezbollah is a formidable military force, and an opening of a second front against Israel could stretch Israeli military resources thin and lead to a broader regional conflict. The U.S. is right to be cautious; the interconnectedness of these groups could lead to an escalation that spirals out of control.
**Interviewer:** Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian has indicated that future actions depend on “the actions of the Zionist regime in Gaza.” How does this statement reflect Iran’s strategic approach in the region?
**Dr. Hassan:** This statement underscores Iran’s strategy of reactive engagement. Iran often positions itself as a defender of Palestine, framing its actions as responses to Israeli aggression. By tying their potential military actions to Israel’s decisions, they can justify intervention while portraying themselves as protectors of the Palestinian cause. It’s a way to rally support among other Islamic and Arab nations.
**Interviewer:** President Biden has warned Iran to “be careful” regarding their involvement. How might this rhetoric influence Iran’s decision-making in the coming weeks?
**Dr. Hassan:** U.S. warnings are significant, as they represent a clear message of deterrence. Iran is aware of the consequences of escalation, particularly given the military strength of U.S. forces in the region. While the threats may not deter Iran’s support for militant groups, they will likely motivate Iran to proceed cautiously, weighing their strategies to avoid attracting direct military retaliation.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you think the next steps will be for both Hamas and Israel in this volatile situation?
**Dr. Hassan:** I believe we’ll see continued military engagement from both sides, with Hamas seeking to demonstrate its capabilities while Israel focuses on dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure. However, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is escalating, which could attract international pressure for a ceasefire or peace talks. How both sides navigate that pressure will be crucial in determining the next phase of this conflict.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Hassan. It seems we are at a critical juncture in the region.
**Dr. Hassan:** Absolutely, and the coming days will be vital in shaping the future landscape of the Middle East. Thank you for having me.
