Iran and Allies Strive to Prevent Broader Conflict with Israel, 6 NOV

 Iran and Allies Strive to Prevent Broader Conflict with Israel

Iran and its allies, including militant groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, are striving to prevent a broader conflict with Israel. Despite their belligerent rhetoric and backing of several militant groups in the region, a comprehensive strategy for managing the situation seems to be absent. The powerful military force, Hezbollah, doubles as a political movement with substantial influence in Lebanon’s parliament. Its decision to wage war would likely necessitate Tehran’s approval. However, Iran and Hezbollah seem inclined to keep Israel and US forces in the region under constant pressure through harassment attacks, not instigating a broader war.

Surprises and Strategies

Recent events indicate that Iran and its proxies may not have predicted the scale and severity of Hamas’ attacks on Israel. Intelligence sources reveal that high-ranking Iranian officials seemed shocked by Hamas’ actions. Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, denied any involvement by Hezbollah or Iran in his initial public comments on the Gaza war. He emphasized that the attacks were purely a Palestinian operation, stating that all options are on the table for a potential military response by Hezbollah against Israel.

Hezbollah’s Dual Role

Hezbollah, besides being a potent military force, is also a political entity. Following last year’s elections in Lebanon, the pro-Hezbollah bloc holds 58 out of 128 seats in the Lebanese parliament. Consequently, Hezbollah must respond to Lebanese public opinion to a certain extent. Considering the struggling Lebanese economy, it’s unlikely that the Lebanese people desire a repeat of the 2006 war, which resulted in billions of dollars in damages. Furthermore, any decision by Hezbollah to escalate the war would likely need Tehran’s approval.

Pressure over War

Iran and its proxy groups in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen appear to favor maintaining pressure on Israel and US forces in the region through harassment attacks, rather than instigating a broader war. While the ayatollahs in Iran may rhetorically seek Israel’s destruction, they are unlikely to instigate a large-scale regional war that could also involve the United States. The Iranian regime is grappling with significant domestic challenges, including protests against repressive policies and a struggling economy due to US sanctions. Therefore, Iran is more likely to act through its proxies in the region, maintaining pressure on Israel and the US without escalating to a full-scale war.

US Response and Iran’s Call to UN

In response to the ongoing conflict, the United States has deployed a strategic missile-armed submarine to the Middle East as a deterrent to regional adversaries. The Ohio-class submarine is equipped with 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles and can deliver a significant firepower quickly. The deployment of this submarine, along with two carrier strike groups and an amphibious group, sends a clear deterrent message to Iran and its allies. The US has stated that while it does not seek a conflict with Iran, it will take necessary measures to protect its personnel and interests in the region. On the other hand, Iran has called on the United Nations to take immediate action to end Israeli aggression in Gaza and lift the blockade on the Palestinian enclave. Iran accuses Israel of intentionally destroying urban and administrative infrastructure, hospitals, and educational centers, and violating over 30 UN Security Council resolutions.

In conclusion, Iran’s desire to avoid a broader war with Israel and the United States is evident. While Iran and its proxies continue to support militant groups in the region, they seem to prefer maintaining pressure through harassment attacks rather than instigating a full-scale war. The deployment of US forces, including a strategic submarine, serves as a deterrent to Iran and its allies. The ongoing conflict in the region remains a complex and volatile situation with significant implications for regional stability.

https://bnn.network/conflict-defence/iran-and-allies-strive-to-prevent-broader-conflict-with-israel/