Iran Denies Revolutionary Guard Presence After IDF Destroys Hezbollah Tunnels

Iran's Fars News Agency reported on Monday that no Revolutionary Guard members were trapped in the Ali Taher mountain range, refuting earlier reports. According to the Iranian report, eight of 48 Hezbollah operatives stationed in the tunnels at the facility were killed. The Israeli military (IDF) has redeployed in the area, particularly along the "Blue Line," following the destruction of tunnels in the strategic Hezbollah facility located in the Ali Taher range. The withdrawal from the range began before the tunnels were destroyed, and IDF forces now occupy strategic positions to monitor and control the area. Israel had prepared for potential retaliation from Hezbollah or Iran following the tunnel destruction. However, Iran's denial came after Iranian officials were quoted in international media suggesting Tehran might respond to the alleged deaths of its personnel in the tunnels. For instance, The New York Times had claimed the capture of the range was a "red line" and that Iranian advisors were present.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated Sunday that the Ali Taher range is part of Israel's security zone in Lebanon, encompassing 700 square kilometers from the coast to the Beaufort Castle and Mount Hermon. He reiterated that Israel will not withdraw from this zone until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon. IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Efi Drorin visited the range and described the tunnel network as built over two decades with funding and guidance from Iran. He stated that IDF forces recently surrounded the area, increasing pressure on the tunnels and the militants within. Drorin added that all militants in the infrastructure were either eliminated or fled, despite Hezbollah's vow to defend the facility at all costs, noting Hezbollah failed and abandoned its operatives.

The Ali Taher range contained eight underground complexes where IDF soldiers found dozens of explosive drones, UAVs, machine guns, anti-tank missiles, hundreds of mines, RPGs, explosives, and other military equipment. When militants attempted to abandon or resupply the location, they were quickly eliminated by airstrikes and artillery fire. In one incident, an Egoz unit soldier killed a militant in close combat while the operative was attempting to flee a tunnel.