Iran Warns of Major Attack if Israel Captures Lebanon's Ali al-Taher Ridge

Iran has conveyed a warning to the United States, stating it will launch a large-scale retaliatory strike if Israel undertakes a full-scale operation to capture the Ali al-Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon. This ridge is reportedly a hideout for Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members alongside Hezbollah operatives. The warning was allegedly delivered last month, mediated by Oman, according to three sources cited by Reuters. One source indicated the message was sent around mid-August, and that Israeli plans to assault the ridge have been temporarily postponed due to American pressure.

A White House official, however, disputed these details, telling Reuters, "This is not accurate." The Iranian mission in Geneva, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the IDF all declined to comment on the report.

The Ali al-Taher Ridge commands significant areas in southeastern Lebanon and has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Hezbollah has publicly claimed control of the area and vowed to resist any Israeli advance. Senior Hezbollah officials have previously confirmed substantial infrastructure in the region. The IDF currently holds territory south of the ridge, and despite a ceasefire, Hezbollah continues to operate there, recently launching explosive drones towards IDF forces in the vicinity.

According to two of the sources who spoke with Reuters, over a dozen IRGC members are situated in an underground complex alongside Hezbollah fighters. At least two of these individuals are reportedly senior Iranian officers. If true, the presence of IRGC personnel on the ridge would signify direct and ongoing Iranian involvement in ground combat in southern Lebanon. Iran's mission in Geneva suggested that the possibility of Tehran issuing such a warning is a "natural conclusion" given the ridge's importance and Israel's military pressure on it.