US-Israel Attack on Iran Threatens Regional Stability, Lebanon on Edge
Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as Israel, with backing from the US, launches strikes on Iran. Lebanon, a neighboring country, is on edge as its government strives to maintain neutrality amidst the unfolding chaos.
Background
In light of the escalating conflict, Iran's new Ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani, emphasized the importance of deepening relations and strengthening cooperation between Iran and Lebanon. However, as the US and Israel began major attacks on Iran, they also announced strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in South Lebanon, causing tension and uncertainty in the region.
Lebanon's Position
The Lebanese government, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, refuses to be drawn into the conflict. Salam reiterated their stance, stating, I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity
. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Beirut has urged American citizens in the country to depart immediately, further indicating the severity of the situation.
Regional Reactions
Hezbollah, severely weakened by Israel in a 2024 war, has expressed solidarity with Iran but has not confirmed whether it will get involved in the conflict. Former Lebanese lawmaker and Druze leader, Walid Joumblatt, warned of a long war with unimaginable consequences
, urging wisdom to prevent Israel from using Hezbollah as a pretext to attack Lebanon.
US-Iran Relations
While the conflict intensifies, the US and Iran have begun new nuclear talks in Geneva, with slim hopes for a breakthrough. Under the Trump administration, the US has built a significant military force in the Middle East, sparking speculation of a possible war or a surprise deal. Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has made it clear that all options are being considered.
Implications of the Conflict
As the war unfolds, both sides have made aggressive statements. A senior Iranian official declared that everything American or Israeli has become a legitimate target for the Iranian armed forces.
Critics, such as British ex-diplomat Peter Ricketts, argue that the US and Israel have begun a war with vague and unachievable objectives
.
Behrouz Farahani, a political analyst and opponent of the Islamic Republic living in exile in France, condemned the US and Israeli military attack on Iran, stating, “In this situation, we oppose both sides. This war is between an international imperialist power, the US, and its regional ally, Israel, on one side, and the reactionary regime of Iran on the other. We are against both sides and against this war.”
Current Status
The situation remains tense as Lebanon refuses to be drawn into the conflict, and the US and Iran continue their negotiations. The unfolding events have put the entire region on high alert, with the potential for serious repercussions on regional and global stability. The world now watches, waiting for the next developments in this complex and volatile situation.