Israel expects an imminent Iranian direct strike after Lebanon escalation

Israeli officials now assess that Iran may launch a direct attack from its own territory against Israel in the coming hours, in retaliation for the large-scale Israeli airstrikes in Beirut’s Dahieh district and the killing of Hezbollah operatives. The Israeli operation in Lebanon came after repeated Hezbollah violations, including fire and launches toward northern Israel despite the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

The Israeli response has triggered anger in Tehran and a stream of threats from senior Iranian regime figures. According to the article, Iran has also sent a blunt message to the United States, telling Washington to "restrain the dog," and warning that if the U.S. does not do so, Iran will act on its own.

Arab media in the Gulf reported that the deputy commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards spoke publicly about the Dahieh strikes and said the regime would not let them pass unpunished. "Zionist crimes cannot remain without response," he said.

At the same time, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf issued a sharp statement on social media attacking both Israel and the U.S., and hinting that the political talks could collapse. He said Israel’s actions in southern Lebanon again proved either that Washington does not want to fulfill its commitments or is unable to do so. Qalibaf warned that if the U.S. does not stop Israel’s moves in Lebanon, Iran may pull back from the understandings reached with Washington: "If you do not have the will and ability to implement your commitments, there is no way to talk about moving forward."