Iranian officials express alarm as Israel crosses new redlines in Lebanon

September 21, 2024 - 19:40

TEHRAN – Several Iranian officials have made stark warnings about the potentially decimating consequences of Israeli actions in the region as the regime carries out new unprecedented attacks in Lebanon, targeting Resistance fighters and civilians alike. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Israel orchestrated what’s been labeled by analysts as one of the biggest terror attacks in history by exploding thousands of pager and walkie-talkie devices, killing at least 37 people and injuring 3000 others.  On Friday the regime targeted a residential complex in Beirut, killing 14 people including several children. 

‘Israel must be stopped before it is too late’

Iran’s deputy foreign minister for political affairs has urged the international community to rein in the Israeli regime. 
“The Israeli regime pushes the limit to a new, perilous level. It not only continuously blocks a ceasefire in Gaza, but plays a dangerous game in Lebanon, too. Consequences lie with the regime. The Int'l community must force Israel to stop its adventures before it's too late.”
Majid Takht Ravanchi seemed to be addressing Western states in particular, who have been insulating Israel since the regime began its unprecedently deadly campaign in Gaza 11 months ago.  

‘Regime looking to plunge the region into war’

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who is currently in New York to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, told reporters upon his arrival in the United States that he believes Israel’s actions in the past week bespeak of a regime that’s trying to engage other parties in a dangerous military confrontation to avoid what’s it got itself into in Gaza. 
“Israel's recent activities, including events in Lebanon and the assassination of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil, reflect the desperation of a regime trapped in a perilous situation, attempting to pull the entire region down with it.”

‘Efforts to halt Lebanese support for Gazans will fail’

In a statement published on Saturday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani slammed Israel for its attack on a residential building in a densely populated area in Beirut, adding that such acts are not going to demotivate Lebanon in supporting Palestinians.  
“Despite the recent barbaric attacks of the Zionists, the government, people, and resistance of Lebanon, have not stopped their honorable support for the defenseless and oppressed people of Palestine,” Kanaani said.
He expressed hope that the upcoming UN assembly will act to “stop the Zionist regime's mass killing machine” in the region. 

'Western complicity in Israeli crimes will lead to conflagration'

A member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council and former commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps has warned the Western states that their failure to hold Israel’s feet to the fire for the crimes the regime is committing in Gaza and Lebanon will eventually pit them against Iran in an all-out regional war. 

“There isn't a day that goes by without [Israel] committing a crime. First Gaza and now Lebanon,” Mohsen Rezaei stated. "Under these circumstances, it is possible that after Lebanon, they may direct their crimes towards Iraq, Syria, or, with an even greater mistake, towards Iran."