Iran warns of broader retaliation if diplomats targeted in Lebanon

Iran has issued a renewed warning to Israel and its allies, threatening to broaden retaliatory actions if Iranian diplomatic facilities or personnel are targeted in Lebanon.

A senior Iranian official told the semi-official Tasnim News Agency that Tehran would respond in kind if any such attack occurrs, according to CNN.

“If the Zionist regime takes any action against Iranian diplomatic sites or diplomats in Lebanon, similar measures will be carried out in other countries against centres and nationals affiliated with the Zionist regime,” the official said.

The warning comes as the Israeli military has advised residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate, signalling an expansion of its operations against Hezbollah. The group fired rockets and missiles across the border on Monday in support of Iran, escalating tensions along the frontier.

At the same time, the United States has shut down its embassies in three Gulf countries and urged American citizens to leave the region amid mounting security concerns. On Tuesday, March 3, a drone strike struck the grounds of the US consulate in Dubai, further underscoring the deteriorating security environment.

By Tamilla Hasanova