Iran Warns US Against Israeli Attack on Hezbollah Ridge in South Lebanon
Iran has warned the United States that it would respond forcefully if Israel launches a full-scale offensive against Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, according to regional officials briefed on the message.
The warning was reportedly delivered through Oman in August and comes as the Israel-Hezbollah conflict enters its seventh month. Officials said more than a dozen Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) personnel, including senior officers, may be positioned alongside Hezbollah fighters inside the ridge.
Ali al-Taher overlooks southeastern Lebanon and is believed to contain an underground Hezbollah command center and weapons storage facilities. Hezbollah has publicly said it controls the area, while Israel has identified the ridge as a key operational target.
Israeli forces have occupied territory south of the ridge and have reportedly sought to isolate Hezbollah fighters inside the underground facility. Israel has also carried out strikes near access points and intercepted attempts to deliver food and water to the fighters.
Hezbollah has warned that a major Israeli assault on Ali al-Taher would amount to a return to full-scale war and could lead to missile attacks against communities in northern Israel.
While one source said US pressure may have contributed to Israel delaying an assault, Washington denied the report. The Israeli military also declined to comment.
Lebanese officials said an Israeli operation to capture the ridge remains possible in the coming weeks, despite the ceasefire agreement reached in June.
