Iran Declares No Military Intervention in Lebanon or Gaza Amid Israeli Strikes
Iran will not send troops to Lebanon or Gaza to confront Israel, asserting that local forces can defend themselves. The statement follows escalated Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran-aligned groups. Iran’s leaders promise retribution for recent killings of their commanders, indicating ongoing regional tensions.
On Monday, the Iranian foreign ministry stated that Iran will not send forces to Lebanon or Gaza to engage with Israel. Foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani emphasized that local groups possess the necessary capabilities to defend themselves adequately against external aggressions. This announcement comes during a period of heightened Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon targeting Iranian-aligned militant factions known as the “axis of resistance.” The strikes have particularly focused on Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant organization, which has long received support from Iran, both financially and militarily. Notably, an Israeli attack on Friday resulted in the death of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah. In defense of regional allies, Kanani declared that Iran has not received requests for military assistance and expressed confidence in the self-defense abilities of these factions. Amid these developments, the Iranian leadership has condemned Israel’s actions and promised accountability for its alleged crimes against its allies and Iranian citizens. Specifically, Iranian officials are vowing retribution for the killing of Abbas Nilforoushan, a senior commander in the Quds Force, who died in the same incident as Nasrallah. In support of Hezbollah, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently visited the group’s office in Tehran, and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared that Nasrallah’s death would carry significant consequences for Israel. Additionally, the First Vice President of Iran stated that these events would ultimately lead to Israel’s downfall.
The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East remains tense, particularly with respect to Iran’s involvement in supporting various militant groups across the region. Iran has consistently aligned itself with groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Islamic Jihad movement in Gaza, among others. The recent Israeli airstrikes have escalated tensions, prompting Iran to assert the self-sufficiency of these allied groups. Moreover, the death of prominent leaders such as Hassan Nasrallah and Abbas Nilforoushan has intensified calls for retribution from the Iranian government. The dynamics between Iran, Israel, and allied militant groups highlight the ongoing conflicts and the potential for further escalation in the region.
In summary, Iran has made it clear that it will refrain from deploying military forces to Lebanon or Gaza, asserting that local groups are capable of defending themselves against Israeli attacks. Nevertheless, Tehran has pledged to respond to Israeli actions, particularly following the recent deaths of key military figures in the conflict. The situation underscores a complex web of alliances and rivalries in the Middle East that continues to evolve amid ongoing military engagements.
Original Source: english.alarabiya.net