Beirut, Lebanon – A Hezbollah official announced Wednesday that the party does not intend to intervene militarily if the United States launches “limited” strikes against Iran. However, he warned that targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei or attempting to overthrow the regime in Tehran would constitute a “red line” that would compel the party to intervene.
Speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, the official said the party’s position is clear if the US strikes remain limited in scope. He added, “If the objective is to topple the Iranian regime or target the Supreme Leader personally, then the party will intervene.”
“Existential fighting” in case of escalation
The official stressed that any direct targeting of Khamenei “cannot be tolerated.” He argued that a war aimed at toppling the regime in Iran could open the door to a wider confrontation and might even prompt Israel to launch a war on Lebanon.
He added that Hezbollah’s intervention in such a scenario “would not be limited, but rather an existential fight.” This was in reference to the possibility of the conflict expanding regionally.
Escalating tensions and anticipated negotiations
These statements come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the continued US military buildup in the region. They also coincide with anticipation of a new round of nuclear negotiations in Geneva.
Lebanese authorities fear the country could be drawn into a new confrontation, especially given Hezbollah’s arsenal, which includes heavy and long-range missiles. This comes amid mutual warnings about the repercussions of any potential military escalation in the region.
Last month, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem warned that any new war against Iran “could ignite the region.” He emphasized that the party is currently in a “defensive position” following the ceasefire agreement that ended the previous confrontation with Israel in late 2014.
