Iran Warns Israel After IDF Captures Hezbollah Tunnel Complex

The Israeli military has reportedly completed its operational control over the strategic Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, a complex fortified by Hezbollah with Iranian funding and planning over two decades. International reports, however, suggest that over a dozen Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps members, including at least two senior officers, are trapped within the underground facility. Israel officially denies the presence of these senior Iranian officials during the final stages of the operation.

The Ali Taher ridge, situated near the Beaufort, offers significant observation and control over key routes. Hezbollah transformed it into a strategic command post featuring an extensive network of tunnels, including command rooms, weapons storage, generators, and living quarters, enabling prolonged underground stays. Israeli forces have been tightening the siege on the facility for weeks, cutting off supply routes and destroying parts of the underground infrastructure.

In response to the operation, Tehran has issued strong warnings to Israel, conveyed through Oman, threatening a broad response if the facility is harmed. These warnings reportedly led to significant American pressure on Jerusalem, causing a delay in a planned assault. Iran also attempted to send drones carrying food and water to the trapped individuals, but these were intercepted and destroyed by Israel.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the operation successfully cleared the tunnels, which served as a command center for attacks on IDF forces and Israeli communities. He declared the capture as the completion of Israel's control in the southern Lebanon security zone. Gallant also issued a direct warning to Tehran, stating that any Iranian attack on Israel would remove all limitations on Israeli strikes against Iranian national, military, and civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, potentially returning Iran to the "stone age."

International experts view the situation as a game of mutual deterrence. Israel's denial of direct Iranian presence is seen as an effort to maintain operational freedom without escalating to a full-scale war with Iran. Conversely, Iran is perceived as exaggerating the incident's scale to deter further action and protect the remaining members of its "Badr unit." Hezbollah has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of inflating the ridge's importance for domestic political gain.