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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What is Iran’s official stance on the recent Hamas attacks against Israel?
**Interview with Dr. Sara Khalil, Middle East Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Khalil. We’re discussing the recent escalations between Hamas and Israel and Iran’s role in the conflict. First, can you clarify Iran’s position regarding the recent Hamas attack on Israel?
**Dr. Khalil:** Absolutely. Iran has long been a supporter of Hamas, providing political support and resources. However, Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, have stated that they were not directly involved in the recent attack against Israel. This suggests a nuanced stance where Iran supports Hamas ideologically, yet distances itself from direct engagement in particular militant actions.
**Editor:** The U.S. has expressed concerns about a potential second front opening with Hezbollah in Lebanon. How credible are these fears in your opinion?
**Dr. Khalil:** The fears are certainly credible. Hezbollah, which is heavily armed and also backed by Iran, could be motivated to act if the situation escalates further. Abdollahian’s statement highlights the delicate balance at play—he emphasizes that Iran’s response depends on Israel’s actions. Should Israel’s military response in Gaza intensify or if casualties increase, Hezbollah might feel compelled to retaliate.
**Editor:** Speaking of Israel’s actions, there have been significant casualties reported on both sides. What impact do you think this level of violence will have on regional dynamics?
**Dr. Khalil:** The violence is likely to deepen regional divisions. The casualties reported—significant loss of life among civilians—can incite public sentiment across the Arab world, potentially leading to increased calls for solidarity with the Palestinians. This might empower more radical factions and destabilize the already fragile political landscape in the region.
**Editor:** President Biden warned Iran to “be careful.” How do you think this kind of rhetoric plays into the situation, especially considering the geopolitical stakes?
**Dr. Khalil:** Such warnings from the U.S. signal a clear message that Washington is monitoring the situation closely and stands firmly with Israel. However, it also reflects a fear of a broader conflict that could engulf not just Israel, but also impact American interests and allies in the region. While the U.S. may seek to deter Iranian involvement, how Iran responds to these overtures will be crucial in the coming days.
**Editor:** with Iran’s leadership calling for cooperation among Islamic nations, do you see a unifying effort among Arab states taking shape?
**Dr. Khalil:** It’s possible, but historical tensions and differing priorities among Arab nations could hinder a unified response. While there is a shared sense of solidarity regarding the Palestinian plight, varying degrees of alignment with Iran and differing political goals can complicate any collaborative efforts. However, if the situation deteriorates, we might see increased dialogue among these countries.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Khalil, for sharing your insights on this complex and evolving situation.
**Dr. Khalil:** Thank you for having me.