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 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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What is Dr. Sarah Elhassan’s perspective on Iran’s involvement in the recent Israel-Hamas conflict?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Elhassan, Middle East Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Elhassan. With recent escalations in the region, particularly regarding Israel and Iran, could you provide us with your insights on the current situation?
**Dr. Elhassan:** Thank you for having me. The conflict has indeed intensified, particularly following Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Iran’s involvement, while more indirect, remains critical, especially as they continue to support groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
**Editor:** Iran has stated that it wasn’t directly involved in the recent Hamas attack. How credible is that claim given their historical support for militant groups in the region?
**Dr. Elhassan:** While Iran has consistently supported Hamas, whether they had direct involvement in this specific operation is easier said than proven. Tehran’s narrative might serve to distance itself from direct accountability, especially as they navigate international scrutiny. However, their backing of such groups is well-documented, and the situation is complex.
**Editor:** There are concerns regarding Hezbollah potentially opening a second front against Israel. What are your thoughts on this scenario?
**Dr. Elhassan:** The risk of Hezbollah joining the fray is significant. Their involvement would create a multi-front conflict, making the situation even more precarious. Israeli military responses to threats from both Gaza and the north could draw the region deeper into conflict. The statements from both Iranian officials and Hezbollah indicate preparations and readiness to escalate if the situation deteriorates further.
**Editor:** How are the Western countries, particularly the U.S., responding to this escalating situation?
**Dr. Elhassan:** The U.S. has taken a cautious approach, emphasizing support for Israel while also warning Iran against further provocations. President Biden’s explicit warning reflects their concern over a broader conflict that could destabilize the entire region. The U.S. is likely balancing its support for Israel with the need to de-escalate tensions involving Iran.
**Editor:** Given the historical context and ongoing violence, what might be the implications for peace in the region if this conflict escalates further?
**Dr. Elhassan:** The implications could be dire. An escalation would not only further destabilize Israel and the Palestinian territories but could also lead to broader regional conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran, and potentially other regional actors. Achieving peace will require significant diplomatic efforts, which are currently overshadowed by military confrontations and the cycle of violence.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Elhassan, for your valuable insights. It is clear that the situation remains fluid and complex, and we are all watching closely.
**Dr. Elhassan:** Thank you for having me. I hope for a peaceful resolution, but the challenges ahead are significant.
