Iran Warns Israel of Major Strike if Lebanon's Ali-Taher Ridge is Attacked

Iran has warned the United States that it will respond with a significant strike if Israel attacks the Ali-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, where Iranian military personnel are reportedly trapped alongside Hezbollah fighters. The warning, conveyed to Washington in August via Oman as a mediator, underscores Iran's direct involvement in the conflict and its readiness to retaliate against Israeli actions.

According to sources, Hezbollah established an underground command center and weapons depots within the ridge, which overlooks southeastern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have gained control of the area, trapping dozens of Hezbollah operatives inside. While Hezbollah has publicly stated its control over the ridge, details about an "object" within it have been withheld.

Reuters reports that the IDF has captured significant territory south of Ali-Taher and considers the ridge a key operational focus. Two sources indicated that over a dozen members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including senior officers, are present with Hezbollah fighters. The message from Iran was reportedly delivered in mid-August, and U.S. pressure is said to have led Israel to postpone an assault on the ridge.

Hezbollah's press service did not confirm or deny the Iranian warning but suggested it was a logical assumption given the circumstances. They stated that any Israeli ground operation expanding into southern Lebanon would violate the U.S.-Iran understanding on a ceasefire. Despite this understanding, the IDF maintains that Hezbollah continues to operate in the area, recently launching explosive-laden drones.

Sources suggest the IDF is attempting to force the militants out by besieging the ridge and intercepting supplies. Hezbollah claims its fighters can still access positions from the north. Despite Iran's warning, Lebanese sources indicate an Israeli military operation remains possible in the coming weeks. Hezbollah, however, warns that a large-scale attack would escalate to full-scale war, potentially involving missile strikes on northern Israeli towns.