Iran Warns US of Major Retaliation if Israel Strikes Lebanese Ridge

Iran has warned the United States that it will respond forcefully if Israel attempts to attack the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, according to a Reuters report citing regional officials. The report claims that within the underground complex on the ridge are Hezbollah operatives and at least 12 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two senior officers. The message, conveyed last month, underscores Iran's direct involvement in southern Lebanon and its intent to retaliate against Israeli actions there.

Three unnamed regional officials told Reuters that Iran threatened a large-scale Iranian attack in response to any full Israeli assault on the ridge. Two of these officials stated that Oman acted as an intermediary in relaying the message. A third source, a foreign official with direct knowledge, indicated the message was sent around mid-August and that, due to American pressure, Israel postponed an attack on the Ali Taher ridge.

Hezbollah declined to comment on whether Iranian forces are present at Ali Taher. A White House official told Reuters that the report stating the US pressured Israel not to attack the ridge is "not accurate." Representatives from Iran's mission in Geneva, the US Department of Defense, and Oman's Foreign Ministry did not provide comments. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also declined to comment.

The Ali Taher ridge is strategically important, overlooking southeastern Lebanon, and Hezbollah has built an underground command center and weapons depots there. While Hezbollah has publicly stated it controls the area and will respond to Israeli advances, the IDF has captured territory in the vicinity. Despite a ceasefire declared in June, the IDF reported that Hezbollah continues to operate around the ridge and launch explosive drones at Israeli forces nearby.