Iran strongly condemned Israel’s operations in Lebanon, including the detonation of the communications devices, the killing of Ibrahim Aqil, and the extensive airstrikes. However, at this stage, Iran refrains from committing to direct military involvement in the campaign alongside Hezbollah, focusing instead on diplomatic efforts. These efforts are being led by the president and foreign minister, who are actively participating in the UN General Assembly deliberations.
Additional Iranian threats to avenge Ismail Haniyeh’s death: The Iranian General Staff warned Israel and the United States that it intends to avenge Haniyeh’s death, and the head of the Supreme Leader’s office stated that Iran’s response is expected soon.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said that if the Islamic nation used its internal power, it could remove Israel from the heart of the Muslim community. Iranian President Pezeshkian used his speech at the UN General Assembly to accuse Israel of “genocide” and “crimes against humanity.”
Iran is reportedly mediating talks between Russia and the Houthis over a shipment of anti-ship missiles that could increase the threat to vessels in the Red Sea.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for 13 drone and cruise missile attacks against targets in Israel this past week, five of them in one day. The Israeli Air Force fighter jets and air defense units intercepted most of the launches. Three drones exploded in the Golan Heights and the Arava. There were no casualties.
The pro-Iranian Shiite militias also announced that they would assist Hezbollah with a shipment of fighters and weapons in the event of an Israeli land invasion of southern Lebanon.
The militias in Iraq stepped up their security measures following the explosion of Hezbollah’s communications devices. At least 40 Houthi fighters were reportedly killed or wounded in the series of explosions in Lebanon.
A senior security advisor to Kata’ib Hezbollah in Iraq was killed in an attack attributed to Israel in Syria.
Senior Houthi officials threatened that they would continue launching rockets into Israeli territory, saying they are prepared for a long confrontation.
