Iran warns US of major retaliation if Israel attacks Hezbollah-held Lebanon ridge – report

Iran has warned the United States of a forceful response if Israel launches a full-scale offensive on the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, where Iranian military personnel are reportedly co-located with Hezbollah fighters. This message, delivered last month via Oman, highlights Iran's direct involvement in the conflict and its readiness to retaliate. The ridge is considered a primary operational focus for the IDF, which has occupied territory to its south. Hezbollah claims control of the hill and has built an underground command center and weapons stores there.

"Iran considers any Israeli move on the ground in southern Lebanon, especially territorial expansion, a major violation of the Islamabad Agreement,"

Hezbollah's media office stated, referring to a June US-Iran memorandum. While a White House official denied the accuracy of the message, and Israel's military declined to comment, some sources suggest that US pressure led Israel to postpone an attack. Hezbollah has threatened that any large-scale assault on Ali al-Taher would escalate to a full-blown war, potentially leading to missile strikes on northern Israeli communities.