Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has issued a warning to Israel, urging them to cease their airstrikes on Gaza and expressing concern that the conflict with Hamas could escalate further if Israel were to deploy ground forces into the enclave. Amir-Abdollahian also cautioned that there could be dire consequences if the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah were to get involved. He stated, “Any step the resistance will take will cause a huge earthquake for Israel.”
According to two diplomatic sources, Iran is actively working to prevent the war from spreading and is seeking to assist Israeli civilians being held as hostages in Gaza. However, if the military operation continues and Israel proceeds with a ground offensive, Iran may have no choice but to respond. The Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized that there is still a political opportunity to avoid a widespread crisis in the region, but he warned that time may be running out.
In recent days, Amir-Abdollahian has embarked on a diplomatic tour, visiting Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon to discuss the “potential outcome” of the conflict and the necessary actions that should be taken. During his visit to Lebanon, Amir-Abdollahian met with Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other top Lebanese officials.
During a meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Amir-Abdollahian accused Israel of committing “war crimes” against the people of Gaza and reiterated his warning about the potential consequences if Israel does not halt its actions. Bou Habib voiced his support for Iran’s stance, emphasizing that Lebanon has no desire for war and warning that further escalation could ignite the region and jeopardize security and peace.
Hezbollah fighters have been placed on full alert along the Lebanon border and have engaged in intermittent exchanges of fire with Israel since last Saturday’s incursion by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 Israeli civilians and soldiers. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, is seen as a significant threat to Israel due to its arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles, including precision-guided missiles capable of reaching any part of Israel, as well as its well-trained fighters and various types of military drones.
In addition to his meetings in Lebanon, the Iranian Foreign Minister also held talks with senior Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar. While the details of their discussions have yet to be revealed, the meeting underscores Iran’s commitment to engaging with key actors in the region to find a solution to the ongoing conflict.
The situation remains highly volatile, and the international community is closely monitoring the developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The hope is that diplomatic efforts and negotiations can prevail, preventing further escalation and securing a lasting peace for all parties involved. It is crucial for all stakeholders to seize the remaining political opportunity and work towards a resolution that prioritizes the well-being and safety of the people in the region.
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