Iran’s Stance Amid Escalating Tensions with Israel
The authorities of Iran warned this Friday that the recent “selective bombing” by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) against the Lebanese capital, Beirut, represents “a dangerous escalation that changes the rules of the game” and it must be answered.
“There is no doubt that this reprehensible crime and reckless behavior represents a dangerous escalation that changes the rules of the game and requires appropriate punishment and discipline for its perpetrator.” stated the Iranian Embassy in Beirut in a publication on its profile on the social network X.
Thus, the Iranian legation stated that Israel committed “a bloody massacre” in Lebanon, where it directs its attacks towards “densely populated residential neighborhoods” and then issues “false justifications” to try to “cover up its brutal crime.”
The IDF carried out a new attack this Friday on a residential area of Beirut, where they claim they located the “headquarters” of the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah. Lebanese authorities have already reported two deaths and 76 injuries. Although further details of the attack are currently unknown, security sources consulted by the Israeli press suggest that the main target of the IDF attack could be the leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah.
This is the sixth attack against the area since the start of the crossfire between the parties on October 8, 2023, and the fourth in just one week.
The Role of Iran in the Conflict
Iran is one of the main allies of Lebanon and Hezbollah, leading the so-called Axis of Resistance, an informal anti-Israel alliance that also includes the Lebanese Shiite group, the Palestinian terror group Hamas, and the Houthi rebels of Yemen, among others.
Iran has reiterated its support for Hezbollah since Israel began an intense bombing campaign in Lebanon. However, analysts have noted that Iran has opted for “containment” and has not helped the militia avoid a direct war with the Jewish State.
The Islamic Republic attempts to avoid a direct conflict with Tel Aviv because “no state wants to destroy itself” and believes that Hezbollah can defend itself. This long-term policy aims at weakening Israel through its allies, as explained by analysts speaking to the news agency EFE.
Statements from Iranian Officials
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi assured the UN Security Council that his country “firmly” supports Lebanon, highlighting Tehran’s “tremendous patience and restraint.”
Furthermore, Iran’s president, Masud Pezeshkian, explicitly stated, “We don’t want to fight. It is Israel that wants to drag everyone into a war and destabilize the region. They are dragging us to a point we do not want to reach.” This comment came during his attendance at the UN General Assembly in New York.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Response
In contrast to the diplomatic tone, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has promised “a crushing response” to the recent attacks on communication devices in Lebanon.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, remarked that the heavy blows suffered by Hezbollah are not enough to “bring it to its knees,” asserting that Hezbollah’s “organizational strength and human resources are very strong.” He further echoed sentiments that “Hezbollah is victorious.”
International Responses and Ongoing Developments
On the Israeli front, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement today about upcoming meetings to discuss a proposed ceasefire in Lebanon mediated by the US and France. The aim is to facilitate the safe return of 60,000 displaced people from Israeli territories bordering Lebanon.
“Our teams met (on Thursday, September 26) to discuss the US initiative and how we can advance the shared goal of safely returning people to their homes,” the statement confirms. Earlier this week, the US shared its intention to present an agreement with other partners.
Statements from Netanyahu emphasized that Israel “will continue to hit Hezbollah with all its power” until all military objectives are achieved. This sentiment underscores the ongoing nature of the conflict.
Ceasefire Initiatives
On Wednesday, a joint initiative from the United States and France, along with a dozen other countries, proposed a 21-day ceasefire on the Israel-Lebanon border. This ceasefire aims to create a conducive environment for negotiations regarding hostage releases and a truce in Gaza.
Summary of Key Points:
- Iran condemns Israeli bombings in Beirut as a dangerous escalation.
- The IDF’s actions have intensified since the beginning of conflict on October 8, 2023.
- Iran supports Hezbollah but has adopted a cautious approach to avoid direct conflict.
- International efforts are underway to mediate a ceasefire and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.