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 a subterranean complex on the ridge, at least 12 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, including senior officers, are hiding alongside Hezbollah operatives.

This message, reportedly conveyed last month through Oman, underscores Iran's direct involvement in ground operations in southern Lebanon and its intent to retaliate against any Israeli actions there. Three unnamed regional officials told Reuters that Iran threatened a large-scale Iranian counterattack in response to a full Israeli assault on the ridge.

One foreign source with direct knowledge stated the message was delivered around mid-August and that, due to American pressure, Israel postponed an attack on the Ali Taher ridge. Hezbollah declined to comment on the presence of Iranian forces at Ali Taher.

In response to Reuters' inquiries, a White House official stated, "This is not accurate." Iran's UN mission, 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 asserted control over the area and vowed to respond to Israeli advances, the IDF has captured territory in the vicinity, with militants reportedly trapped in the tunnel network. Despite a ceasefire declared in June, the IDF maintains that Hezbollah continues to operate around the ridge and launch explosive drones at Israeli forces nearby.