Iran Warns US of Major Retaliation Against Israel Over Lebanon Standoff

Iran has warned the United States that it will respond forcefully to any Israeli offensive targeting the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, a mountainous area where Iranian military personnel are reportedly entrenched alongside Hezbollah fighters. According to three officials familiar with the message, Tehran threatened a large-scale attack if Israel were to launch a full operation to seize control of the strategic ridge.

The warning was conveyed to Washington in August, with Oman acting as the intermediary, a role it frequently plays in communications between Iran and the U.S. Sources indicate that over a dozen members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including at least two senior officers, are present at the location.

This presence signifies Iran's direct involvement in ground combat in southern Lebanon, as the regional conflict enters its seventh month. The Ali al-Taher ridge is a highly contested position in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, offering a significant strategic advantage due to its dominance over parts of southeastern Lebanon. Lebanese security sources report that Hezbollah has established an underground command center and weapons depots there.

Israeli forces have been conducting targeted operations in the Nabatiyeh region and around the ridge in recent days. The report references Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's stated objective that "Gaza will no longer be a threat," indicating a continued focus on post-October 7th goals.