Middle East Today: When an Iranian consulate building was destroyed in Syria in April, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to punish Israel. This led to a series of targeted attacks resulting in the deaths of key figures in Iran-backed Hezbollah and Hamas. Despite the escalating tensions, experts believe a full-scale war between Israel and Iran is unlikely.
The recent assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut further complicates the situation, but Iran is likely to focus on rebuilding its militant proxies rather than engaging in direct conflict. Amidst the saber-rattling and threats of retaliation, Iran finds itself in a vulnerable position, with its strength in the region compromised.
While calls for revenge are mounting, Iran is cautious about escalating the situation further. The recent attacks have exposed the limitations of Iran’s capabilities and the need for strategic patience. As the region remains on edge, the priority for Iran is to maintain deterrence and avoid being drawn into a larger conflict.