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 might increased military posturing between Iran and the U.S. impact the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East?
**Interview with Dr. Amina Nasiri, Middle East Affairs Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Nasiri. Recent developments in the Middle East have been alarming, especially following Hamas’s unexpected attack on Israel. Iran has stated that it was not involved in this attack, despite its longstanding support for Hamas. What is your take on Iran’s claims?
**Dr. Nasiri:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to note that Iran has a history of supporting various militant groups, including Hamas. However, the claim of non-involvement could be a strategic move to maintain deniability. Iran may want to distance itself from direct involvement to avoid international backlash and potential military retaliation.
**Editor:** The U.S. has expressed concerns about a potential second front opening against Israel involving Hezbollah. How likely is this scenario?
**Dr. Nasiri:** The possibility of Hezbollah intervening in response to Israeli actions in Gaza cannot be ruled out. Iran has made it clear that their future actions depend on Israel’s behavior. If Israeli strikes escalate, Hezbollah may feel compelled to act. The situation is fluid, and any miscalculation could easily lead to wider conflict.
**Editor:** In the wake of Hamas’s attack and the escalating violence, the U.S. has warned Iran to “be careful.” How do you see this affecting Iranian-U.S. relations?
**Dr. Nasiri:** The warning highlights the delicate balance of power in the region. While Iran seeks to project strength and support its allies, the U.S. is trying to contain any destabilizing actions. This tit-for-tat dynamic could further strain their already tense relationship and lead to increased military posturing on both sides.
**Editor:** Iranian officials are calling for unity among Islamic and Arab nations against what they describe as Israeli aggression. How effective could this call be in mobilizing regional support?
**Dr. Nasiri:** Iran’s appeal for unity resonates with countries that share its grievances against Israel. However, not all regional players are willing to align with Iran’s agenda, given tensions between Sunni and Shia factions, as well as individual national interests. The effectiveness of such calls depends greatly on the specific political contexts of each country involved.
**Editor:** Lastly, with the situation continuing to evolve, what can we expect in the coming days and weeks regarding the conflict?
**Dr. Nasiri:** It is difficult to predict, but the potential for escalation remains high. If the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens or Israel’s military response intensifies, we could see more regional actors getting involved. Diplomacy will be crucial in de-escalating tensions, but the path forward is fraught with challenges.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Nasiri, for your insights on this critical issue. The situation warrants close monitoring as it develops.
