How Lebanon–Iran war of words set stage for Israel’s latest clash

A growing exchange of threats between Beirut and Tehran has underscored Lebanon’s central role in regional tensions, as strikes involving Israel, Iran and Hezbollah-linked targets threaten to unravel an uneasy ceasefire arrangement.

Iran warned that talks could be halted and military responses could resume if Israel continues strikes on Lebanon, following a series of attacks that have already intensified the conflict across the region, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Iran responded on Sunday to an Israeli strike on an alleged Hezbollah site in southern Beirut by launching missiles at Israel. Israel then struck Tehran and other cities on Monday, raising fears of a broader escalation that could end a two-month ceasefire between Iran and the United States.

Tensions had been building after Israeli forces crossed the Litani River last month, a line Israel had previously designated as a buffer zone. The Lebanese government urged an end to foreign interference, while Washington-backed efforts continued to shape a conditional ceasefire framework excluding Hezbollah.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticised Iran’s role in the crisis, saying there is no way to end the war in the country “except through negotiation and diplomacy” and accusing Tehran of “using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in their negotiations” with the US.

Iran rejected the accusation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Aoun appeared to believe Iran, not Israel, was occupying Lebanese territory.

“Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago. Save Lebanon from your real foe, Mr. President,” he posted on X.

The IRGC warned “there will be no calm in the region” if Israel continued its actions in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah’s role in the conflict remains a key point of contention in stalled diplomacy.

Analysts say the targeting of Beirut’s southern suburbs could mark a critical escalation. “Where exactly is the red line? So far, it seems that Tehran has tolerated attacks in southern Lebanon to some extent as part of a messy ceasefire, and instead allowed Hezbollah to engage with Israel,” said Negar Mortazavi.

“I think the stalemate cannot continue for too long, so it will be going back to an escalated conflict, or heading for an actual peace deal.”

Iranian officials have also linked any long-term US peace deal to developments in Lebanon, signalling that the conflicts remain tightly interconnected.

By Aghakazim Guliyev