Iran Warns US of Major Retaliation for Israeli Actions in Lebanon

Iran is considering a sudden strike against Israel amid escalating regional tensions, according to a Reuters report citing sources. Tehran has warned the United States of a severe response to an Israeli attack on the strategic Ali-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have reportedly surrounded a significant number of Hezbollah fighters and Iranian military personnel. This warning was conveyed to the U.S. via Oman in mid-August.

The Ali-Taher ridge, approximately 600 meters high and located about 12-15 kilometers from the Israeli border, holds a dominant position over the Nabatieh area, the Litani River valley, and key regional transport routes. This area is designated by Hezbollah as its "Badr operational zone," where it has established military infrastructure, including command posts and heavy weaponry positions. The ridge's proximity to Israel makes it militarily significant, allowing for potential attacks on northern Israel and coordination of defense against Israeli advances into southern Lebanon.

Sources indicate that at least ten officers from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may be among those surrounded by Israeli troops. The report suggests that Israel has largely halted its advance in the Ali-Taher area since receiving the warning, possibly due to American influence. A Hezbollah representative declined to confirm or deny the warning but stated that such a signal from Iran would be logical given the circumstances, viewing any Israeli territorial expansion in southern Lebanon as a violation of the Islamabad Agreement.

Iran has openly demonstrated its "direct and constant involvement in hostilities in southern Lebanon." The report notes that Israeli forces gained control of the Ali-Taher ridge several weeks ago, describing the area as a "key point of operational confrontation."