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 for our 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 restricted the import of goods to and from the territory 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 could the potential intervention of Hezbollah impact the current conflict between Israel and Hamas?
**Interview with Dr. Lina Al-Mansouri, Middle East Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Al-Mansouri. Recently, Iranian officials emphasized their stance that Iran was not involved in the recent Hamas attack on Israel. What do you make of this assertion?
**Dr. Al-Mansouri:** Thank you for having me. Iran has indeed been a long-time supporter of Hamas, but their denial of involvement in the recent attacks is part of a broader strategy. By distancing itself from the violence, Iran may be trying to avoid an escalation that could draw in more regional players, including Hezbollah.
**Editor:** The U.S. is concerned about the possibility of Hezbollah opening a second front against Israel. How likely is this scenario given the current tensions?
**Dr. Al-Mansouri:** The likelihood of Hezbollah intervening is contingent on several factors, particularly Israel’s actions in Gaza. As Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian stated, the regional dynamics largely depend on the “Zionist regime.” If Israel continues its retaliatory strikes and escalates its military presence along the Lebanese border, Hezbollah may feel compelled to act in defense of Palestinians and its own strategic interests.
**Editor:** We’ve seen President Biden warning Iran to proceed with caution. How does this reflect on U.S.-Iran relations, particularly in this current crisis?
**Dr. Al-Mansouri:** The U.S. warning reflects a careful balancing act. Washington is keen to avoid a broader conflict while also supporting its ally, Israel. The rhetoric underscores the high stakes involved—if Iran or Hezbollah escalates their involvement, it could trigger a much larger conflict in the region. The U.S. is likely trying to send a clear message that any aggressive actions will have consequences.
**Editor:** In light of recent events, what role do you think international diplomacy can play in easing tensions?
**Dr. Al-Mansouri:** International diplomacy is crucial right now. The call from Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi for “convergence and cooperation” among Islamic and Arab states signifies a need for a united front against perceived injustices in Gaza. However, a real resolution requires dialogue that includes all parties involved, particularly between Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel. It’s imperative that channels for communication remain open to prevent miscalculations that could lead to further violence.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Al-Mansouri, for your insights. The situation remains fluid, and your perspective will surely help our audience understand the complexities involved.
**Dr. Al-Mansouri:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we continue to analyze the developments carefully as they unfold.