Iran’s foreign minister stated that the decision to open a “new front” against Israel rests on Israel’s actions in Gaza. While Iran has long supported Hamas, Iranian officials deny any involvement in the recent attack on Israel by the militant group. However, the United States is concerned about the possibility of Hezbollah, another Iranian-backed Islamist group, intervening and opening a second front on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. Contacts from other countries have inquired about the possibility of a new front, to which Iran’s response has been that it depends on Israel’s actions. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made these remarks during a meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister. He added that Israel’s ongoing crimes and actions in Gaza are the determining factors for any potential new fronts. Abdollahian later arrived in Beirut, where he was received by Hezbollah and Hamas, among other pro-Iran groups. He is scheduled to meet with Lebanese officials before traveling to Damascus. The top diplomat warned that Iran’s regional allies, known as the “axis of resistance,” could respond if Israel’s offensive in Gaza escalates. The death toll from the recent conflict stands at 1,200 Israelis killed by Hamas militants and 1,417 Palestinians killed by Israeli retaliatory barrages. Western leaders have cautioned Iran against intervening in the war. US President Joe Biden has issued a warning to Iran, urging caution. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has called for Islamic and Arab countries to cooperate in stopping the “crimes” committed by Israel against Palestinians.
