Although Tehran has long supported Hamas, Iranian officials insist 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 tell 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 acquisition 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 Hezbollah’s involvement influence the stability of the Middle East in the wake of recent conflicts?
**Interview with Dr. Leila Mohseni, Middle Eastern Affairs Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mohseni. The situation in the region has escalated dramatically following Hamas’s recent attacks on Israel. Iran has a long history of support for Hamas but has denied involvement in this specific attack. What are your thoughts on Iran’s response and stance?
**Dr. Mohseni:** Thank you for having me. Iran’s denial of involvement in the recent Hamas attack is not surprising, given the geopolitical landscape. They have a vested interest in maintaining plausible deniability while supporting groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. This way, they can avoid direct confrontation with the West or Israel while still promoting their agenda in the region.
**Interviewer:** The U.S. has expressed concerns regarding the potential for a second front opening against Israel, particularly with Hezbollah’s involvement. How likely is it that Hezbollah will escalate the situation further?
**Dr. Mohseni:** Hezbollah is a highly capable military force and is closely linked to Iran. While they have made some threatening gestures, such as firing rockets into Israel, their engagement depends on multiple factors, including Iran’s directives and the current situation on the ground. They are likely weighing the risks of escalation versus strategic gains.
**Interviewer:** Iran’s Foreign Minister recently stated that any future actions would depend on Israel’s behavior in Gaza. What does this suggest about Iran’s strategic calculations?
**Dr. Mohseni:** This statement underscores Iran’s tactic of calculated response. They are clearly indicating that their military actions will be a reaction to Israeli operations, which gives them a degree of control over the situation. It also serves as a warning to Israel: any continued aggression could provoke a broader conflict involving Iranian allies in the region.
**Interviewer:** President Biden has warned Iran to ”be careful.” How do you think this rhetoric will affect Iranian calculations moving forward?
**Dr. Mohseni:** Biden’s warning serves as a clear signal that the U.S. is watching closely and is prepared to respond if Iran escalates its involvement. This pressure might persuade Iran to be more cautious. However, the dynamics in the region are complex, and Iranian leadership often views U.S. threats as an opportunity to showcase their resilience rather than as a deterrent.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what role will diplomatic efforts play in de-escalating tensions, particularly with calls from Iranian leadership for cooperation among Islamic nations?
**Dr. Mohseni:** Diplomatic efforts are crucial but often complicated by entrenched positions and historical grievances in the region. While Iran’s call for unity among Islamic nations may resonate with some, it may also further polarize factions. Therefore, genuine dialogue and negotiation are essential, yet achieving a consensus on how to approach Israel and the Palestinian issue remains extremely challenging.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Mohseni, for your insights on this pressing issue. We appreciate your time.
**Dr. Mohseni:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical moment, and I hope for peaceful resolutions moving forward.
