Iran Warns US of Major Attack on Israel Over Lebanon Ridge

Iran has warned the United States that it will respond with force to any Israeli strike on the strategic Ali-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, where the IDF has encircled Hezbollah and Iranian forces. The notification was reportedly sent to Washington in August, according to Reuters, which cited two sources familiar with the matter. Iran is reportedly not concealing its "direct and continuous involvement in combat operations in southern Lebanon."

Tehran threatened that a large-scale Israeli attack on the ridge would trigger a broad Iranian offensive. The Ali-Taher ridge, approximately 600 meters high and located about 12-15 kilometers from the Israeli border, overlooks the city of Nabatieh and the Litani River valley. It is considered a key Hezbollah operational area, housing its military headquarters and heavy weaponry, and is strategically positioned to target northern Israel and direct defensive battles.

The IDF reportedly took control of the ridge several weeks ago, establishing a blockade to prevent food and water from reaching the encircled militants, including at least ten officers from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Despite an alleged June ceasefire, the IDF stated Hezbollah drones have attacked its positions in the area recently. Lebanese sources, however, suggest communication lines remain open from the north of the ridge.

Reuters reported that the message was conveyed via Oman, acting as a mediator. An official with direct information told Reuters the Iranian message reached Washington mid-August, after which Israel seemingly paused its assault on Ali-Taher, possibly due to American pressure. A Hezbollah representative stated it would be "natural" for such a warning to be issued, adding that any Israeli expansion would violate the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which included a Lebanese ceasefire.

Hezbollah warned that a major strike on Ali-Taher would signify a return to full-scale war and could result in rockets targeting northern Israeli communities. Sources do not rule out a military operation to capture the ridge in the coming weeks.