Tehran’s reaction to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon could be seen as risky, potentially rekindling regional conflict. For Iran, retaliating is crucial to counter Israel’s attempts to alter the regional power balance. Iran and Washington are simultaneously engaged in negotiations to end ongoing tensions.

“Failing to respond would project weakness,” explained Ali Vaez, a senior Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group. For several weeks, Iran criticized Israeli strikes on Hezbollah but mostly tolerated them. Iran insisted that Hezbollah, an important ally, should be included in the regional cease-fire deal reached with Washington in April.

Iran refrained from reacting as long as Israeli actions were confined to southern Lebanon. However, Iran’s stance changed once these strikes extended to the southern outskirts of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold.

“Iran’s defensive action in Lebanon was more than military retaliation; it declared a strategic doctrine,” stated Sadegh Larijani, chairman of Iran’s Expediency Council, which advises the supreme leader of Iran.