Iran has pledged unwavering support for Hezbollah in Lebanon should Israel initiate military action, warning of potential regional repercussions.
In an interview with the Financial Times on Tuesday, Kamal Kharrazi, Iran’s foreign minister and a key advisor to the supreme leader, issued a stark message.
“If Israel launches an offensive in Lebanon, all Lebanese people, Arab countries, and members of the Axis of Resistance will stand with Lebanon,” Kharrazi stated. He emphasized the possibility of a broader conflict engulfing the entire region, drawing in countries like Iran.
“In such a scenario, we would have no option but to support Hezbollah by all means,” he added, underscoring Iran’s readiness to escalate if necessary.
While acknowledging that expanding the conflict would not be in anyone’s interest, Kharrazi’s remarks came on the heels of provocative statements from senior Iranian military figures.
Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force expressed eagerness for further action against Israel following recent hostilities in Gaza.
Speaking to families of Palestinians killed in the conflict, Hajizadeh indicated Iran’s readiness for what he termed “Operation True Promise 2,” referencing April’s unprecedented missile and drone strikes against Israel.
Despite significant interception by Israeli and U.S. defences, the attack marked a historic direct assault by Iran on Israeli territory.
Hajizadeh, a key figure in Iran’s military strategy, reaffirmed Iran’s ongoing support for militant groups engaged in conflict with Israel. He highlighted Tehran’s role in supplying weapons and assistance to groups in Palestine and Lebanon, asserting Iran’s continuing commitment to these alliances.
International observers have raised concerns over Iran’s increasingly assertive role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Behnam Ben Taleblu, an Iran expert at The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warned that Iran’s April attack signalled a new phase of confrontation.
He emphasized that Iran’s actions are intended not only to inflict harm but also to assert influence across multiple fronts against Israel.
Iran’s recent threats and military posturing reflect a broader strategy of leveraging proxy forces and regional instability to confront Israeli interests.
As tensions remain high and militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah mobilize, the situation in the region continues to evolve with significant implications for international security and stability.
