Iran considers crossing red lines in Lebanon and Gaza tantamount to direct war. "We are determined to respond with effective measures, opening new fronts, while maintaining pressure through the Strait of Hormuz," the intelligence arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated on 1/6.

Mohsen Rezaee, military advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, affirmed on the same day that Tehran "does not accept" the escalation of tensions in Lebanon. He added, "The patience of Iran's armed forces has limits."

Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps speedboats operate in the Persian Gulf in 4/2024. *Photo: AFP*

Iran issued the warning shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the resumption of airstrikes on the Dahiyeh district in the suburbs of Lebanon's capital, Beirut. This area is considered a Hezbollah stronghold and the strikes followed months of suspension at US request. The Israeli army issued warnings, urging civilians in Dahiyeh to evacuate for safety.

Tasnim news agency reported that Iran and its allies would respond by "activating other fronts", including the Bab el-Mandab Strait, a gateway to the Red Sea. Houthi forces in Yemen, a member of the Iran-backed "axis of resistance", previously attacked US and Israel-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea to show support for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

Iranian media reported that the country had suspended indirect talks with the US and was considering ending its ceasefire, linked to developments in Lebanon.

"Any violation on one front means a violation of the ceasefire on all fronts. The US and Israel must bear responsibility for the consequences," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X on 1/6.

US President Donald Trump stated he had not received information from Iran regarding a suspension of talks, adding that if Tehran chose silence, it "is not a problem" and he was prepared to wait.

"That does not mean we will bomb everywhere. We simply stop exchanges and continue to maintain the blockade. I can wait as long as it takes. They are losing a lot of money," he told NBC News.

In an interview with CNBC, President Trump further stated he "does not care" if the US and Iran end negotiations.

Locations of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Hormuz Strait, and surrounding areas. *Graphic: Guardian*

Conflict between Israel and Hezbollah erupted on 2/3, when the armed group in Lebanon attacked its neighbor in retaliation for the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel subsequently launched a ground offensive into Lebanon, displacing over one million people in the country's south.

The two sides reached a ceasefire on 17/4, but clashes continued. Israel moved troops across the Litani River, which is considered a boundary in the ceasefire agreement, and advanced into Hezbollah-controlled areas near the capital, Beirut.

Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)