Tehran: Iran has issued a stern warning of retaliation after Israel conducted airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting areas linked to Hezbollah, escalating tensions across the region and raising fears of a broader conflict.
The Israeli military said it struck what it described as a Hezbollah command centre and associated infrastructure in Dahiyeh, a stronghold of the Iran-backed group in southern Beirut. The strikes followed reports of rockets being fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel.
Lebanese authorities said at least two people were killed and several others injured in the strikes, while damage was reported in densely populated neighbourhoods.
Iran signals “decisive response”
Reacting sharply, senior Iranian officials condemned the strikes and vowed a forceful response. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s parliamentary national security committee, described the attack as a “crime” and warned of a “decisive and painful response,” adding, “Watch the skies tonight.”
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who also plays a role in Iran’s diplomatic negotiations, accused the United States of indirectly enabling the operation, claiming Washington had given Israel a “green light.” He further warned that US and Israeli installations in the region could be considered potential targets if tensions continue to escalate.
Rising regional instability
The latest flare-up comes amid already fragile diplomatic efforts led by the United States to reduce hostilities between Iran and Israel and stabilize key regional flashpoints, including maritime security routes.
While Israel maintains that its operations are aimed at preventing rocket attacks from Lebanon, Iran views the strikes on Hezbollah-linked areas as part of a broader campaign against its regional allies.
Fear of wider escalation
The renewed exchange of threats has intensified concerns that the conflict could expand beyond Lebanon and Israel, potentially drawing in other regional actors.
Analysts warn that continued escalation risks undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts and could further destabilize an already volatile Middle East security environment.
