Iran Blames US Deal for Hezbollah's Ali Taher Ridge Loss

Iranian officials are continuing to react to the successful Israeli operation to capture the Ali Taher Ridge, with some blaming a prior memorandum of understanding with the United States for the setback.

Following an initial response from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, further Iranian sources have expressed their views on the fall of the ridge. According to Iran International, internal political disputes have arisen, with some Iranian figures accusing the negotiators of a June memorandum of understanding signed in Pakistan of failing to protect Hezbollah's Lebanese front.

These sources claim that specific clauses within the agreement hampered Iran's ability to respond in the Lebanese arena, though the exact clauses were not specified. The memorandum of understanding reportedly stipulated a cessation of hostilities between parties across all fronts, including Lebanon.

Key provisions of the "14-point" agreement included the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, the U.S. lifting its naval blockade on Iranian ports, and a freeze on new U.S. sanctions with discussions on broader sanctions relief contingent on Iranian compliance. Nearly three months after its signing, none of these provisions appear to have been upheld.